During Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, MediaTek announced a new partnership with Starlink to provide wireless emergency alerts via satellite connectivity.
The move aims to expand the global reach of these vital alerts during natural disasters and life-threatening situations, by enabling phones to receive messages even in areas that lack terrestrial communications network coverage.
Through this collaboration, the two companies allow more users around the world to benefit from currently approved warning systems, such as Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS), Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), and Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System (ETWS).
By combining satellite communication technologies with cellular networks, they seek to enhance the reliability of public safety communications and expand their geographic reach.
MediaTek is showcasing its Starlink Mobile service via a device powered by the M90 modem, which is the world’s first 5G modem that supports satellite technologies integrated. The system relies on Direct-to-Cell technology via the S-Band, allowing traditional phones to communicate directly with satellites without the need for additional hardware.
Thus, the technology fills coverage gaps that often appear during disasters when ground infrastructure is disrupted or destroyed.
The partnership has already made Wireless Emergency Alerts available in the US, Canada and Japan. According to the press release, more than 4.4 million people have used Starlink Mobile service during emergency events.
MediaTek confirms that this step represents progress towards commercializing standard 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NR-NTN) technology, supporting the construction of more robust and effective global communications networks in times of crisis.
