Entel & Starlink: WhatsApp & Apps Now Work in Chile’s Remote Areas

Chile’s Entel is expanding its partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink, moving beyond basic SMS text messaging in remote areas to now support popular applications like WhatsApp, Google Maps, AccuWeather, and X (formerly Twitter). The expanded service, launched this week, marks a significant step in the evolution of satellite-based mobile connectivity in Latin America, and positions Entel as the first provider in the region to offer this level of functionality.

The move builds on an initial rollout in November 2025 that provided satellite connectivity for SMS messaging only. Entel attributes the expansion to the increasing number of satellites deployed by SpaceX in low Earth orbit, enhancing the capacity and reliability of the Starlink network. According to Entel CEO Antonio Büchi, the expanded service “marks a before and after in the connectivity of Latin America,” bringing “world-class technology to the service of people.”

Beyond Texting: A New Level of Connectivity

The new Direct to Cell (D2C) service allows Entel customers with compatible devices to access data-driven applications even in areas without traditional cellular coverage. Users must have an active Entel mobile plan with satellite coverage enabled, a compatible handset, and a clear view of the sky. The service also requires the latest software updates on the device, as well as enabled roaming and VoLTE (Voice over LTE) functionality. This expansion addresses a critical necessitate for reliable communication in Chile’s geographically diverse terrain, including mountainous regions, rural areas, and coastal zones.

The Chilean government has also welcomed the development, with Subsecretary of Telecommunications Romina Garrido highlighting the technology’s potential to improve emergency response capabilities in a country prone to seismic activity and natural disasters. “Satellite technology strengthens our capacity to respond to emergencies,” Garrido stated, adding that the advancements align with a modern vision for telecommunications that integrates satellite connectivity with robust fiber optic and 5G networks.

Entel’s Regional Expansion Plans

Entel plans to extend the enhanced Starlink-powered service to its Peruvian customer base in the coming days. Büchi noted that the impact will be even greater in Peru, where larger areas lack terrestrial mobile network coverage compared to Chile. This expansion underscores Entel’s ambition to grow a leading provider of satellite-based connectivity across South America.

How Starlink’s D2C Technology Works

SpaceX’s Direct to Cell technology bypasses the need for traditional cell towers by connecting smartphones directly to Starlink’s satellite constellation. What we have is achieved through a partnership with mobile network operators like Entel, who resell the service to their customers. The satellites operate in low Earth orbit, which reduces latency and improves data speeds compared to traditional geostationary satellites. As Capacity Global reported in early 2026, this technology is particularly beneficial for businesses operating in remote regions, such as mining, agriculture, and forestry.

The Business of Satellite Connectivity

Entel’s partnership with Starlink represents a growing trend in the telecommunications industry: the integration of satellite and terrestrial networks to expand coverage and improve service reliability. This model allows Entel to leverage Starlink’s infrastructure without the significant capital expenditure required to build and maintain its own satellite constellation. The B2B resell model allows Entel to focus on its core competencies – customer service, billing, and local network integration – although Starlink handles the satellite infrastructure and connectivity.

The pricing structure for the expanded service has not been fully detailed, but Entel has indicated that it will offer various plans to cater to different usage needs. La Tercera reported in November 2025 on the initial launch of Direct to Cell, noting that the service was initially limited to SMS and that pricing would be tiered based on data usage. The expansion to include data applications is expected to come with corresponding price adjustments.

Competitive Landscape and Future Developments

While Entel is currently the first provider in Latin America to offer this level of satellite-based application access, other telecommunications companies are likely to follow suit. Starlink is actively pursuing partnerships with mobile network operators globally to expand its D2C coverage. LatestLY reported in May 2025 that SpaceX aims to provide D2C service to a wider range of countries in the coming years.

The success of Entel’s expanded service will depend on several factors, including the availability of compatible handsets, the reliability of the Starlink network, and the willingness of customers to pay for the added connectivity. However, the initial response has been positive, and the service is expected to be particularly valuable for individuals and businesses operating in remote and underserved areas.

Looking ahead, Entel and Starlink are likely to continue to collaborate on expanding the capabilities of the D2C service. Future developments could include support for voice calls, video streaming, and other data-intensive applications. The ongoing deployment of additional Starlink satellites will further enhance the network’s capacity and coverage, paving the way for even more advanced satellite-based connectivity solutions.