Deutsche Telekom has announced a new partnership with Starlink to eliminate mobile “dead zones” across Europe using direct-to-cell satellite technology. The deal aims to provide a secondary layer of connectivity in remote areas where traditional cell towers are difficult to build due to environmental regulations or challenging terrain.
The service is scheduled to roll out in 2028 across several European markets, including Germany. Once active, compatible smartphones will automatically switch to Starlink’s satellite network when a terrestrial signal is lost, allowing users to maintain access to data, video, voice, and text messaging.
“We want to ensure reliable connectivity for our customers in those areas as well. That is why we are strategically complementing our network with satellite-to-mobile connectivity,” said Abdu Mudesir, Deutsche Telekom’s Board Member for Product and Technology.
Technical integration and resilience
The service will utilize Starlink’s Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) spectrum and next-generation V2 satellite constellation. Stephanie Bednarek, VP of Starlink Sales, noted that the agreement is a first-of-its-kind for Europe and will “expand on data, voice and messaging by providing broadband directly to mobile phones.”
Beyond daily convenience in rural areas, the partnership is designed to improve network resilience during natural disasters or prolonged power outages when ground-based infrastructure may fail. By 2028, the number of compatible devices in Europe is expected to have grown significantly, ensuring a broad user base at launch.
Current network standing
While the satellite layer adds a new level of “everywhere” coverage, Deutsche Telekom currently provides 5G coverage to nearly 90 per cent of Germany’s landmass. The Starlink integration will act as a safety net for the remaining gaps, creating what the company calls an integrated, future-proof network.
Deutsche Telekom is the parent company of T-Mobile US, with the latter being the first launch partner for Starlink Direct to Cell.
