Chile’s Entel First in LatAm to Launch Starlink Direct-to-Cell
Chile has entered the direct-to-cell era, with Entel becoming the first operator in Latin America, and only the fifth worldwide, to launch Starlink’s Direct to Cell service commercially, enabling compatible smartphones to connect to satellites whenever terrestrial service drops out.
The offering went live across Chile’s mainland and island territories on November 24, beginning with SMS and expanding to data services later on. For Entel users with supported devices and plans the pitch is simple: if you can see the sky, you can stay connected.
The government is positioning the launch as both a safety and resilience milestone. Early field tests from Pan de Azúcar National Park, a traditionally coverage-dead zone, demonstrated functioning satellite messaging from one end of the country to the other.
Powered by more than 650 Direct-to-Cell-capable Starlink satellites, the service extends coverage from Cape Horn northward, including Rapa Nui, Juan Fernández, and territorial waters. Over 100 handset models are supported at launch.