Fastweb Partners with Starlink for Connectivity in Rural Areas
Fastweb Partners with Starlink for Connectivity in Rural Areas
The coverage in some areas of Italy, particularly rural ones, still leaves much to be desired. After all, who would invest millions of euros in infrastructure that would hardly pay off, given the low number of users? However, it is not said that we must resign ourselves to gaps in coverage in certain parts of Italy:
Fastweb has signed an agreement with Starlink to test Direct to Cell technology and thus enable access via 4G in every part of Italy through the satellites of the network created by Elon Musk.
Direct to Cell: When Smartphones Connect Directly to Satellites
The combination of terrestrial mobile infrastructures with the satellite network can expand and improve connectivity possibilities, ensuring access where terrestrial coverage is absent, such as in remote areas, mountainous regions, or coastal areas, thus ensuring better and more efficient connectivity.
The Fastweb + Vodafone mobile network allows direct communication between Starlink satellites and common 4G smartphones. The service does not rely on terrestrial access networks but uses the Starlink constellation in low orbit: the satellites function as antennas in space and bring the mobile signal to devices from about 360 kilometers in altitude.
Transitioning between the terrestrial network and the satellite one will be practically instantaneous, without interruption of data flow, although it should be noted that not all applications will be compatible. Initially, it will be possible to send SMS and MMS, as well as WhatsApp messages and consult Google Maps. Messenger, X, and AccuWeather are also supported. It is assumed that more applications will later be made compatible with the service.
At the moment, the supported apps are sufficient to ensure the minimum necessary functionality to orient oneself if lost in remote areas or, more importantly, to coordinate with rescue services in case of emergencies. Even where traditional 4G and 5G networks do not reach.
Currently, the service is operational only on an experimental basis, and only industry professionals can test it.
"Starlink Mobile is transforming the way customers are connected with reliable coverage in remote areas where the terrestrial cellular signal does not reach," says Stephanie Bednarek, Vice President of Commercial Sales at SpaceX. "We are very excited about the partnership with Fastweb in developing this satellite service for mobile, which will improve the customer experience with the ability to use voice, video, and messaging via apps, as well as text messaging."
"Our goal is to contribute to the digitalization of the country," explains Marco Raimondi, Head of B2C Products at Fastweb + Vodafone. "Once again, Fastweb positions itself at the forefront of innovation in the telecommunications landscape in Italy, developing an integrated and cutting-edge approach to providing mobile connectivity solutions for our customers."