On August 27, 2026, Starlink Mobile launched in Costa Rica through Liberty, a regional telecom provider. Liberty’s product page went live the same day, offering satellite connectivity directly to compatible phones without requiring additional hardware.
Any Liberty customer with a compatible 4G LTE phone can maintain SMS connectivity with a clear view of the sky. Starlink also supports voice notes, location sharing, and map usage, with additional app support detailed by Liberty.
Messaging where the towers stop
Liberty lists WhatsApp chats, audio notes, location sharing, SMS, Google Maps, and X as compatible services on its Starlink network. The service is included with regular postpaid plans, while prepaid customers need an active ConexiĂłn Satelital package.
The launch includes a limited promotional allowance of up to 100 text messages and 300 MB of data through compatible apps in areas without traditional coverage. Mobile data and roaming must be enabled for the phone to connect to the satellite network, although Liberty says customers will not be charged international roaming fees for usage within Costa Rica.
Once a phone leaves terrestrial coverage, it can automatically search for the Starlink network. Depending on the device, the status bar may display Liberty-Starlink or a satellite indicator. The connection may take a couple of minutes to establish.
Costa Rica is using the same first-generation Starlink Mobile system now being deployed internationally, following launches with Airtel in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and NTT Docomo in Japan. The system is designed to supplement terrestrial networks, providing connectivity for messages and select apps rather than replacing conventional cellular service.
Liberty’s first satellite connection
Costa Rica is the first country in Central America to offer Starlink’s direct-to-phone service. Liberty and Starlink signed their agreement on April 14, 2026, with the launch fulfilling a commitment announced earlier this year.
Johanna Escobar, general manager of Liberty Costa Rica, described the activation as an important step for the country, particularly for emergency communications and expanding connectivity.
 “The activation of this service represents a transcendental milestone for the country because it significantly expands communication possibilities in emergency situations and will contribute to reducing the digital divide,” she said, according to The Global CR’s 27 August launch report.
The April announcement said the service would be included with Liberty’s postpaid plans at no additional cost, while prepaid customers could access it on demand. A compatible 4G LTE phone and an unobstructed view of the sky are required.
The launch follows Starlink Mobile activations with Airtel in the DRC on August 14 and NTT Docomo’s V1 service in Japan. Starlink said Docomo had connected more than 6.5 million customers by the end of July.
With Costa Rica now online, Starlink’s direct-to-phone service continues its expansion into new markets, extending satellite connectivity beyond the reach of traditional cellular towers.
Starlink said Starlink Mobile is now available in Costa Rica with Liberty, posting the launch on 27 August. Liberty’s product page dates the service to the same day and calls it a satellite connection straight to a regular phone, with no extra antenna or satellite handset.
A Liberty customer with a compatible 4G LTE phone can keep sending messages when they walk off the terrestrial network, as long as they can see the sky. Starlink told customers they can send voice notes, share locations, and use maps in remote areas, and pointed the terms to libertycr.com.
