CNT Launches SatPower Mobile Satellite Internet with Starlink in Ecuador

How SatPower Connects Mobile Phones in Remote Areas

SatPower utilizes Starlink’s Direct to Cell technology, allowing compatible mobile devices to communicate directly with low-earth-orbit satellites when users move outside standard terrestrial network footprints. Ronald Spina, general manager of CNT, explained that while the state-owned telco reaches approximately 90% of the population, geographical coverage leaves gaps where drivers, hikers, and fishermen lose signal. According to CNT, the system operates without requiring subscribers to install special equipment or traditional satellite dishes. Subscribers can maintain signal in remote locations including mountains, the Amazon jungle, and at sea up to 12 nautical miles from the coast. However, El Telégrafo reported the initial coverage figure as 82%. Spina noted that the remaining 18% of uncovered territory concentrates primarily in Amazonian and border regions where reaching satellite signals presents greater challenges. Connection capabilities face restrictions inside tunnels, densely built urban environments with tall adjacent buildings, and deep indoors. Initial applications supported by the service include text messaging, photographs, video files, and general file sharing, alongside X for social media posts and Google Maps in subsequent updates. Certain applications such as WhatsApp, Google Maps, X, AccuWeather, the ECU 911 app, and SMS face specific restrictions or phased rollouts according to state disclosures.

Pricing and Infrastructure Agreements With Starlink

CNT structured SatPower to work in parallel with its ongoing 5G network rollout rather than as a replacement technology. Customers with existing mobile plans can add SatPower for an extra three dollars per month, while base mobile plans incorporating the feature start at 15.99 dollars. Spina stated that the partnership required no upfront capital expenditure by the state-owned enterprise for satellite infrastructure. No implica inversiones porque justamente es un win-win. A medida que vamos creciendo, vamos pagando por el servicio, pero no hay un costo inicial de infraestructura, explaining that costs scale with user adoption rather than demanding initial capital outlays. The deployment follows an August 2025 project between CNT and Elon Musk’s company that brought fixed Starlink services to the Galápagos Islands via a Community Gateway initiative.

Future Expansion and Service Roadmaps

State telecommunications officials anticipate that geographical coverage will expand as SpaceX launches additional satellites into low earth orbit. CNT plans to introduce higher speeds and advanced features starting in 2027, moving beyond the messaging and media-sharing capabilities deployed at launch. The current phase establishes basic connectivity for emergency text, image, and video transmission in remote zones where traditional mobile operators do not maintain physical towers.