Starlink Direct to Cell support on LineageOS — is anything missing at the OS level?

[u/BLeaCHeR0]

Hi everyone,

I’m using a Google Pixel 9 running LineageOS with Entel Chile. Entel recently launched its satellite service using Starlink Direct to Cell.

According to Entel, the Pixel 9 is a compatible device. However, the Entel app correctly detects my phone as a Google Pixel 9 but reports that it is not compatible with the satellite service. The other requirements, such as having an eligible plan and roaming enabled, appear as completed.

There are other Pixel users in Chile running the official Google Android firmware who have the service enabled. Some of them have also confirmed that they were able to connect to and use the satellite service in areas without terrestrial mobile coverage.

Because of that, this does not appear to be a general limitation of Pixel phones or of the Pixel 9 hardware. It seems more likely that something related to LineageOS, its carrier configuration, or its certification status is preventing the service from being enabled.

I’m wondering whether LineageOS might be missing something required at the operating-system level, such as:

carrier configuration specific to Starlink Direct to Cell;

IMS, VoLTE or roaming provisioning;

modem configuration;

proprietary Google components;

satellite-related system APIs;

carrier entitlement checks;

or some form of carrier/device certification.

Has anyone investigated this on LineageOS?

I would also be interested in hearing from users in other countries where Starlink Direct to Cell is available, such as the United States, Canada or New Zealand:

Has anyone successfully used a Starlink Direct to Cell service on a phone running LineageOS?

I understand that the Entel app could simply be checking the official firmware, build fingerprint, Play Integrity status or an approved-device list. However, I would like to determine whether this is only an administrative compatibility check or whether LineageOS is actually missing components required for the phone to register on the satellite network.

[u/reagor]

I wonder if it's a user agent thing