Fibocom Demonstrates Starlink Direct-to-Cell Connectivity with Standard LTE Cat.1 bis Modules

Fibocom has successfully tested two LTE Cat.1 bis modules on SpaceX’s Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite network, demonstrating data connectivity without dedicated satellite hardware or modified firmware. The results also highlight the performance and power consumption trade-offs associated with satellite-enabled IoT.

Adding satellite connectivity to an existing IoT device typically involves hardware changes, additional development costs and new power management constraints. As direct-to-cell satellite networks evolve, however, the possibility of connecting conventional cellular devices beyond terrestrial coverage is becoming increasingly relevant for IoT manufacturers.

Fibocom has reported successful field tests of its LE270-EU and LE271-GL LTE Cat.1 bis modules on SpaceX’s Starlink Direct-to-Cell (DTC) network in New Zealand. Both modules connected to the live satellite network, established IP data sessions and transmitted data using standard firmware, without satellite-specific hardware modifications.

The tests provide practical evidence that existing LTE Cat.1 bis hardware can communicate over a satellite network, although the results also reveal important differences between terrestrial and satellite connectivity.

Standard LTE hardware connects to Starlink satellites

The significance of Fibocom’s demonstration lies primarily in its hardware approach. Rather than integrating a dedicated satellite modem, the company used conventional LTE Cat.1 bis modules to establish connections through Starlink’s DTC infrastructure.

Starlink’s DTC architecture incorporates LTE base station capabilities into low Earth orbit satellites, enabling compatible cellular devices to communicate beyond the reach of terrestrial base stations through participating mobile operators.

For IoT equipment manufacturers, this approach could simplify the introduction of satellite connectivity into established product designs. Devices based on compatible LTE modules may be able to retain much of their existing hardware architecture, potentially reducing redesign efforts and component costs.

However, successful network attachment does not automatically establish commercial compatibility across satellite networks. Device eligibility, network access arrangements and operational performance remain important considerations for manufacturers evaluating deployments.

Field tests reveal the impact of operating conditions

Fibocom evaluated the modules in outdoor, in-vehicle and indoor environments to assess connectivity under different satellite visibility conditions.

With good sky visibility, the LE270-EU achieved approximately 2.2 Mbps downlink throughput, compared with 2.0 Mbps for the LE271-GL. Both modules delivered around 0.3 Mbps uplink throughput.

Network registration times ranged from approximately 1 to 30 seconds, while ping response rates reached 80% to 90% in favorable conditions.

Performance deteriorated when satellite visibility was obstructed. During indoor testing in a hotel room, downlink throughput fell to approximately 0.5 Mbps in some scenarios, while ping response rates declined to around 65% to 70%. Some requests also experienced substantially longer response times.

These findings are particularly relevant to asset tracking applications. A device installed inside a vehicle, container or building may experience significantly different connectivity conditions from equipment operating outdoors with an unobstructed view of the sky.

For applications transmitting small, intermittent data payloads, consistent message delivery may ultimately matter more than maximum throughput.

Satellite connectivity introduces a measurable power penalty

One of the more revealing findings concerns energy consumption.

According to Fibocom, uploading the same file through the satellite connection required approximately 1.5 to 1.8 times as much energy as over terrestrial cellular connectivity. Longer transmission times, higher transmission currents and retransmissions contributed to the difference.

This creates an important design consideration for battery-powered IoT applications. Even when a conventional cellular module can access a satellite network without additional hardware, the energy budget of the complete device may need to be reassessed.

Fibocom’s LE270 and LE271 module families support Power Saving Mode (PSM) currents as low as 2.5 μA. The company reported that low sleep current was maintained during its tests, suggesting that the additional energy demand was primarily associated with active satellite communications rather than standby operation.

For system integrators and OEMs, practical mitigation strategies could include reducing reporting frequency, buffering sensor data and adapting transmission retries to changing network conditions.

Implications for hybrid cellular-satellite IoT deployments

Fibocom’s results contribute to a broader industry shift toward extending terrestrial cellular technology through non-terrestrial networks, rather than treating satellite connectivity as an entirely separate communications architecture.

For asset tracking, agricultural monitoring and remote infrastructure applications, the ability to use established LTE module designs over satellite links could reduce some of the barriers to hybrid connectivity.

Nevertheless, the field tests remain a technical demonstration rather than proof of universal satellite compatibility or deployment readiness. The results do not establish how the modules would perform across different satellite networks, operating environments or large-scale commercial deployments.

Fibocom is continuing to optimize DTC firmware compatibility for the LE270 and LE271 series, particularly network registration efficiency and connection resilience.

The main takeaway for IoT developers is that satellite access may no longer require a dedicated satellite modem in every device design. Ensuring predictable connectivity, acceptable battery life and reliable data delivery, however, remains a separate engineering challenge.

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