CYBERJAYA — Satellite internet provider Starlink plans to conduct a trial of its direct-to-device (D2D), or direct-to-cell, technology in Malaysia, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said.

He said the technology has the potential to deliver internet connectivity directly to mobile phones via satellite in selected areas without relying on telecommunications towers.

Also present were Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah and Works Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Azman Ibrahim.

Fahmi said the MCMC had been asked to invite telecommunications companies (telcos) to meet with Starlink to explore opportunities for deploying the technology, which does not necessarily depend on existing telecommunications infrastructure.