Malaysia To Pilot Direct-To-Device Satellite Connectivity Under JENDELA Phase 2

Direct-to-device satellite internet technology is set for trial runs in Sabah as part of the second phase of the Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA) plan. Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil confirmed that the government intends to test this capability to allow mobile phones to connect directly to satellites, bypassing the need for conventional telecommunications towers.

According to the original publisher, the upcoming proof-of-concept tests will be conducted at identified locations across Sabah. While the minister did not provide a specific timeline for the launch of JENDELA Phase 2, he noted that additional testing sites in Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia will also be selected to evaluate the technology’s performance across the country.

This initiative follows existing satellite broadband efforts in Malaysia, such as the SpaceX Starlink service, which currently requires external hardware like routers and dishes. Direct-to-device technology aims to simplify this process by enabling native connectivity on compatible mobile handsets. The Ministry of Communications views this as a potential long-term solution for enhancing connectivity nationwide, with a possible rollout targeted for 2027.

The exploration of satellite-based mobile connectivity is particularly significant for Malaysia as it seeks to address digital infrastructure gaps in rural and remote regions. By reducing reliance on terrestrial cell towers, which can be difficult to deploy in challenging terrain, the government hopes to provide more consistent mobile access. For Malaysian consumers, this represents a shift toward more resilient network coverage that remains functional even when traditional ground-based infrastructure is unavailable or under pressure.