Spain now appears marked as “coming soon” on the Starlink coverage map for its Direct to Cell (D2C) service— the proposal through which SpaceX aims for a regular mobile phone to send messages via satellites when there’s no terrestrial coverage. The signal, already integrated as an extension of the mobile network in pilot countries, is presented as a solution for rural areas, highways, mountains, or specific incidents, rather than a full replacement for 4G/5G.
Still, sector anticipation is evident: for the first time, satellite connectivity stops being “a gadget” reserved for specific phones or emergency services, and points to becoming a feature that could be enabled on consumer phones, provided the carrier and local regulations permit.
The important thing: no confirmed partner in Spain yet
Currently, it’s best to distinguish what Starlink suggests with its map from what has been officially announced. In Spain, the current status is a public hint (“coming soon”) and the precedent of other markets where the service is already being sold through operators. There’s also speculation about which Spanish operator might collaborate, but no official confirmation exists, so this should be considered as a hypothesis.
How it works (and why it’s not “usual satellite internet”)
Direct to Cell is not the Starlink home setup with an antenna and router. It’s a different concept: the satellite acts as an “antenna tower” in space for 4G mobile phones (and, depending on deployments, with specific software requirements and network profiles). In practice:
- The phone does not “choose” the satellite as long as terrestrial network is available: it activates only when you have no cellular coverage and are outdoors.
- The connection can take several minutes to establish depending on conditions and load.
- In initial commercial deployments, the experience is designed for messaging (and, depending on the carrier and device, additional features).
In other words: the value lies in “having signal where there was nothing before,” not in browsing as if you were on fiber.
Practical requirements shared by carriers already offering this
From information published by operators already selling D2C, two key conditions repeat:
- eSIM
Several carriers require eSIM to activate the satellite profile or simplify service provisioning. - Active roaming / specific network profile
When a phone connects to the satellite, it appears as a separate network (with a name depending on the country and operator), managed as a “controlled roaming” type.
An important operational nuance: the service is designed to work within the country’s territory and near the coast within a specific operational limit; for example, a threshold of 22 km from the shoreline (12 nautical miles) is mentioned in operator-based explanations. This matters for navigation, maritime activities, or coverage in islands/coastal zones.
Which phones are most likely in Spain?
The best way today to estimate this is by looking at which devices are compatible in carriers where D2C is active or in testing: Entel (Chile), One NZ (New Zealand), T-Mobile (U.S.), and Telstra (Australia). While this doesn’t guarantee Spain will follow the same list, it clearly indicates the trending devices: modern models with eSIM and network/firmware support aligned with the operator’s deployment.
Below is a summary table by categories, designed for quick understanding (without turning the article into an endless catalog):
Table 1 — Most repeated mobile families deemed “compatible” with D2C in carriers
| Brand / Family | Most frequently listed models | Quick take |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone | iPhone 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 (full ranges listed by various carriers) | The recent iPhone line is the “safest bet” if Spain maintains similar criteria |
| Samsung Galaxy S | Series S22, S23, S24, and S25 (variations by country) | High likelihood in recent flagship ranges |
| Samsung foldables | Galaxy Z Fold / Z Flip (latest generations) | Often compatible but with differences per operator |
| Samsung mid-range | Series Galaxy A (specific models vary per country) | Partial compatibility: not all A series models appear in all listings |
| Google Pixel | Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 (depending on operator) | More selective compatibility, tied to the market/operator |
| Motorola / Xiaomi / Others | Various families appear in only one country and not others | Less uniform compatibility; it’s advisable to wait for the Spanish list |
Useful interpretation for Spain: if the user owns an iPhone 13 or newer, or a Galaxy S22/S23/S24/S25, it’s reasonable to expect more options to be on an initial compatible list (assuming the Spanish carrier adopts similar approaches). For mid-range models or brands with uneven presence, uncertainty increases.
Table 2 — What to expect at launch (reasonable expectation) and what not to assume
| Aspect | What to expect in the initial phase | What to avoid assuming |
|---|---|---|
| Messaging | SMS and basic messaging (depending on country, some adapted apps also) | “Unlimited chat” as if it were normal 4G/5G |
| Data | Limited features, subject to carrier/device restrictions | Streaming, video calls, or smooth browsing |
| Latency / connection | Longer to establish (minutes in some cases) | Instant response like terrestrial networks |
| Coverage | Zones without terrestrial coverage, outdoors | Indoor or urban areas where mobile network already exists |
The operational conclusion is clear: D2C is best understood as a redundancy network (when everything else fails) and as a tool for basic safety and communication, not a substitute for conventional connectivity.
What operators and authorities should communicate when officially announced
If the launch in Spain is formalized, three key pieces of information will matter for users and businesses:
- Who is the partner operator and which tariffs include it.
- Official list of compatible phones (and whether eSIM qualification is required).
- Actual service scope (SMS, apps, limited data, subsequent phases) and geographic conditions.
Until then, it’s wise to treat the “coming soon” map as an intent signal and use international lists as an approximation, not confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phones will be compatible with Starlink Direct to Cell in Spain?
Currently, there is no official list for Spain. As a reference, in carriers where the service exists, recent iPhones (from iPhone 13 on) and modern Samsung Galaxy S series (S22 and beyond), including recent foldables like Z Fold/Z Flip, appear repeatedly.
Will I need eSIM to use Starlink D2C in Spain?
In several countries, carriers specify eSIM requirements to activate satellite service. It’s reasonable to consider this likely, but confirmation depends on the local provider offering the service here.
Will it work for WhatsApp and data, or only SMS?
Initial deployments focus on messaging and limited functions, with some apps adapted depending on the market. It’s not to be expected as “full internet” like 4G/5G; it’s mainly for minimal communication when no coverage exists.
When will the phone connect to the satellite?
The common pattern is: only when terrestrial coverage is unavailable and the user is outdoors. Connection may take some time and is designed for continuity, not intensive use.