EE could soon be powered by Starlink satellites, improving signal and download speeds

BT, who own EE, have begun talks with Starlink, to harness their satellite network and provide alternative connectivity for EE and BT customers.

Starlink satellites are positioned in LEO (Low Earth Orbit), which means they are close enough to provide consistent connectivity, low latency and fast download speeds back to Earth.

BT previously trialed satellite technology with OneWeb, a competitor to Starlink, of which the UK Government has a 10% stake in.

The satellites work together as a network, communicating with ground receivers to deliver internet to practically anywhere in the world.

However, Starlink is currently rolling out its new Direct to Cell technology, which enables existing LTE (4G) phones to connect directly to Starlink satellites, eliminating the need for large and cumbersome ground satellite transmitters.

In theory, the technology will be able to deliver access to text, voice and data services to anywhere on Earth, including on land and at sea.

This means an EE customer could potentially receive a signal in even the most remote parts of the UK.

The new technology won’t replace existing infrastructure quite yet. It’s primarily designed to assist with latency and download speeds, and deliver access when there is no alternative. As well as rural areas, this includes situations where large crowds gather in otherwise sparsely populated areas, resulting in network congestion of nearby phone masts, with people unable to receive a signal on their phone. For example, the technology will work well at football stadiums and outdoor concerts.

Starlink plans to launch Direct to Cell technology this year with text, followed by voice and data in 2025.

There are currently several networks across the globe with have signed up with Starlink to use Direct to Cell technology, including T-Mobile (USA), Optus (Australia), Rogers (Canada), One NZ (New Zealand), KDDI (Japan), Salt (Switzerland) and Entel (Chile and Peru).

Reports suggest that BT initially want to trial Starlink’s technology to help with their business broadband infrastructure, and deliver improved connectivity to remote locations, followed by a trial on the consumer side with the EE brand.