Starlink Becomes World’s Biggest 4G Coverage Provider

Starlink Direct to Cell now claims the title of the largest 4G coverage provider on Earth, with more than 7 million users across five continents relying on its satellites to connect their LTE phones in places where terrestrial service doesn’t reach. 

What makes this so powerful is that it works with standard LTE phones—no special hardware, firmware, or apps required. Provided you have a view of the sky, your phone can tap into Starlink’s satellite “cell towers” and access voice, video, messaging, or data. 

Starlink’s Direct to Cell constellation uses over 650 satellites in low Earth orbit with advanced phased-array antennas and laser backhaul to the broader Starlink network.  The effect is truly global coverage, especially in remote or underserved areas where mobile signals are patchy or non-existent.

This technology is already proving vital. In the U.S., during hurricanes, flooding, and wildfires, millions of SMS messages and dozens of emergency alerts reached people when traditional networks were down.  And in places like New Zealand, someone in a cellphone dead zone was able to text accident details via Direct to Cell, which helped emergency responders arrive quickly. 

With that kind of reach and impact, Starlink isn’t just extending internet access—it’s reshaping how we think about mobile connectivity. The goal: eliminate “dead zones” worldwide, especially in places where laying cables or building towers is expensive, slow, or impossible.