Satellite internet just took a big step forward in Peru. As of December 2025, Entel Perú customers can now access Starlink Direct to Cell (D2C) — meaning certain smartphones can connect directly to Starlink’s satellites without need for terrestrial cell towers or extra antennas.
This move makes Peru one of the first countries in Latin America — after Chile — to adopt real satellite-to-mobile service commercially. For people living or traveling in remote areas — from the Andes mountains to the Amazon rainforest, or coastal deserts — this could mean staying connected where previously there was no signal at all.
What Users Should Know
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No extra antenna needed: If you have a compatible LTE smartphone and a plan with Entel, you could get satellite connectivity directly.
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Messaging first, data/voice soon: In this first rollout phase, the service supports satellite-enabled text messaging (SMS). Entel and Starlink say data and voice (internet browsing, calls) are expected in future updates.
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Ideal for remote areas: As long as you’re outdoors (with a clear view of the sky) and outside traditional tower coverage, Starlink D2C can kick in, making it a game-changer for rural, mountainous, or jungle regions.
Why This Matters
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Bridging the digital divide: In a country as geographically diverse and challenging as Peru, many communities remain offline because building terrestrial infrastructure (cell towers, cables) is uneconomical or impractical. Satellite-to-cell can leapfrog those barriers.
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Emergency, safety, and inclusion: Remote villages, rural workers, travellers, indigenous communities — all stand to gain access to basic communication. In emergencies (natural disasters, remote travel), being able to send a simple SMS may make a big difference.
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A new telecom model: The partnership between a telecom operator (Entel) and a satellite-internet provider (Starlink) represents a hybrid model — combining local billing/customer support with global satellite infrastructure. This model could scale across Latin America as more spaces get covered by Starlink’s constellation.
Of course, challenges remain. As of now, coverage depends on compatible devices and direct sky visibility. Data and call services are still pending. And performance likely will depend on satellite load, geography, and network conditions.
But even with these caveats, the arrival of Starlink Direct to Cell in Peru feels like a significant milestone — one that may redefine what “mobile coverage” means in remote, underserved, or hard-to-reach areas.
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