Bestel, the telecommunications provider responsible for Sky services in Mexico, has announced a commercial partnership with Starlink to offer satellite internet services nationwide. The agreement allows the company to leverage Elon Musk's technology to serve enterprise clients in regions where fiber optic infrastructure is limited or non-existent.
The company aims to design customized hybrid architectures, integrating satellite connectivity with its existing terrestrial network services. According to a press release, the partnership will eliminate last-mile deployment costs in remote areas and reduce implementation times compared to traditional infrastructure.
“Our primary goal is to help our clients expand their availability and ensure business continuity in locations where traditional infrastructure may be limited. Technology should not be an obstacle, and that is our main objective with this agreement with Starlink,” explained Federico Garcés, Bestel’s Deputy Director of Enterprise Products.
Direct connectivity and operational challenges
Available to corporate clients since March 30, the service includes the resale of direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity. This technology enables mobile phones and Internet of Things (IoT) devices to connect directly to low-Earth orbit satellites, facilitating messaging and calls in areas without cellular coverage.
Bestel noted that the service serves as a viable alternative for temporary links or expansion projects, ensuring competitive pricing compared to traditional satellite links. Coverage is available throughout Mexico, though the company cautioned that performance depends on satellite visibility and site-specific technical conditions.
However, Starlink's expansion in the country faces a history of operational irregularities. According to a report by Xataka México, the Superior Audit Office of the Federation (ASF) found that, in 2025, nearly 40% of the 7,595 services installed by the company under government contracts were either out of service or pending activation. The report also revealed that the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) failed to penalize the company for these failures.