In a major technological breakthrough, Elon Musk’s Starlink has partnered with VEON, the parent company of Jazz Pakistan, to introduce Direct-to-Cell satellite services in the country. The collaboration is set to transform mobile communication by allowing smartphones to connect directly to Starlink satellites—eliminating the need for traditional cell towers in remote or underserved areas.
The partnership will enable Jazz users in Pakistan to experience uninterrupted connectivity even in mountainous and rural regions where network coverage has traditionally been limited. The Direct-to-Cell technology will initially support text messaging and voice services, with plans to expand to broadband internet in later phases.
VEON, which operates in several emerging markets including Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Uzbekistan, said the agreement aligns with its mission to expand digital access and close the connectivity gap. The company also confirmed that pilot testing will begin soon after regulatory approvals.
Industry experts have hailed the move as a game-changer for Pakistan’s telecom sector, potentially improving connectivity for millions of users and supporting emergency communication during natural disasters or network outages.
Starlink’s entry into Pakistan’s telecom landscape through VEON underscores the growing role of satellite-to-phone technology in the future of mobile communications.
