Comcast offers Starlink satellite coverage for rural enterprises

US-based Comcast Business is to use Starlink’s low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites to extend mobile coverage for enterprise applications into under-served or unconnected regions. It is targeting enterprises in “multiple, disparate locations… where traditional networks do not reach”. The satellite service will also afford a way to enhance network redundancy for enterprise customers, it said. Comcast is the first “major” US carrier to team up with Starlink, it said.

Starlink has a constellation of 50 satellites offering direct-to-cellular (D2C) communications. It launched 20 new satellites earlier this month, of which 13 offer D2C services. The company, owned by SpaceX, launched its first D2C-capable ‘Starlink V2’ satellites in January in anticipation of commercial services with a number of carriers around the world – including with T-Mobile US, scheduled to go live with the service this year.

D2C satellite technology currently, designed to connect to unmodified handsets, supports basic low-bandwidth connectivity services, such as voice, SMS and web browsing, as it stands. New handsets with modified antennas will be required before satellite systems support t4G and 5G-style mobile broadband services. Comcast Business will offer satellite services via Starlink’s LEO system as part of its managed connectivity portfolio, it said. 

It said: “From geographic limitations to scalability concerns and reliability issues, [certain rural] companies face challenges less commonly encountered by their counterparts in more densely populated areas. Comcast Business’ collaboration with Starlink will address the demand for reliable, managed connectivity for these enterprise customers, as well as offer an innovative solution for enterprises looking to enhance network redundancy.”

Jon Friedman, senior vice president for product strategy and operations at Comcast Business, said: “As the first major network provider to collaborate with Starlink, we’re excited to… enhance our… managed connectivity portfolio with… satellite capabilities to better serve our enterprise customers. Starlink’s LEO satellite technology complements our existing network infrastructure, extends our reach and further enhances [our] ability to deliver reliable connectivity.”

Jason Fritch, vice president of Starlink enterprise sales at SpaceX, said: “Starlink is excited to work with Comcast Business to deliver reliable connectivity to customers. This agreement with a leading service provider is an acknowledgement of Starlink’s growing role as a critical element in modern enterprise networks.”