Starlink Becomes World’s Largest 4G Network Provider

Starlink has announced that it is now the world’s largest 4G network provider by coverage, following the expansion of its Direct-to-Cell satellite service.

The service enables ordinary 4G smartphones to connect directly to Starlink satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) without the need for additional hardware or antennas. With more than 650 Direct-to-Cell satellites now in operation, the company says its network provides 4G LTE coverage across continents, including regions previously unreachable by traditional mobile towers.

According to Starlink, the service currently supports text messaging and low-speed data, while full voice and broadband functionality will be added over time as satellite capacity increases. The rollout aims to eliminate mobile connectivity gaps in remote and underserved areas such as rural communities, oceans, and deserts, offering coverage beyond the reach of existing terrestrial infrastructure.

Expanding Global and Regional Connectivity

Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell service represents a major step toward global mobile accessibility, particularly for regions where building terrestrial networks is difficult or economically unviable. The company is working with telecom operators in multiple countries to coordinate spectrum use and ensure compliance with local regulations.

In developing regions like Africa, where rural coverage remains limited, the technology could help bridge long-standing connectivity gaps. By allowing direct satellite-to-phone communication, it opens the door to new forms of mobile service delivery without relying on expensive infrastructure.

Analysts note that while the system’s data speeds are currently modest compared to traditional 4G networks, its reach and accessibility make it a significant milestone for the telecom industry. Future generations of Starlink satellites are expected to boost network performance and support higher data rates as the constellation expands.

Starlink’s broader goal remains the same: to provide reliable, high-speed internet access anywhere on the planet, connecting users across land, sea, and air. With the Direct-to-Cell network now active, the company has taken another major step toward that vision.