Starlink's Direct-To-Cell Tech Gears Up For EU Debut As Spain's MasOrange To Begin Trial

Elon Musk-backed SpaceX's satellite internet service, Starlink's direct-to-cell technology, is set for a debut in the European Union after signing a deal with Spanish telco MasOrange.

Trial To Begin In Valladolid

Starlink's official handle on X posted the news on Tuesday, quoting a post by MasOrange, which shared the announcement. "Spain will be the first country in the European Union to launch Starlink Direct to Cell this year," Starlink said in the post. MasOrange, in an official statement, shared that the trial would begin in the Spanish province of Valladolid.

Starlink's Ukraine Direct-To-Cell Deal

Starlink had signed a deal with Ukrainian telecom operator Kyivstar Group Ltd. (NASDAQ:KYIV) last year in November after testing was underway for over a year by the company.

Following the deal, Kyivstar also became the first telco in Europe to offer direct-to-device satellite connectivity to users. MasOrange has followed in Kyivstar's footsteps, expanding Starlink's technology in the region.

Starlink On Flights

Meanwhile, United Airlines Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:UAL) also announced the expansion of its Starlink partnership. The airline shared that it would be offering Starlink on 300+ aircraft, as well as targeting offering the in-flight Wi-Fi services on 800+ aircraft by the end of the year.

Starlink also became a point of debate between Musk and Ryanair Holdings PLC (NASDAQ:RYAAY) CEO Michael O'Leary, who shared that the operator would provide in-flight Wi-Fi services when the technology improves, citing fuel drag penalties caused by Wi-Fi terminals as one of the challenges.

SpaceX-xAI Merger

Amid the various Starlink deals, Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, announced it was merging with SpaceX. The companies were valued at close to $250 billion and $1 trillion, respectively. The deal could pave the way for Musk to realize his goal of having orbital datacenters, as well as establishing humanity’s presence on other planets.

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