diff --git a/drivers/modem/modem_cellular.c b/drivers/modem/modem_cellular.c
index c3f73a1dbbb64..dc020240dc9e3 100644
--- a/drivers/modem/modem_cellular.c
+++ b/drivers/modem/modem_cellular.c
@@ -2635,7 +2635,7 @@ MODEM_CHAT_SCRIPT_DEFINE(sqn_gm02s_periodic_chat_script,
 		.reset_pulse_duration_ms = (reset_ms),                                             \
 		.startup_time_ms  = (startup_ms),                                                  \
 		.shutdown_time_ms = (shutdown_ms),                                                 \
-		.autostarts       = (start),                                                       \
+		.autostarts = DT_INST_PROP_OR(inst, autostarts, (start)),                          \
 		.set_baudrate_chat_script    = (set_baudrate_script),                              \
 		.init_chat_script            = (init_script),                                      \
 		.dial_chat_script            = (dial_script),                                      \
diff --git a/dts/bindings/modem/quectel,bg95.yaml b/dts/bindings/modem/quectel,bg95.yaml
index 80aa8816f479c..9b1f6c734be41 100644
--- a/dts/bindings/modem/quectel,bg95.yaml
+++ b/dts/bindings/modem/quectel,bg95.yaml
@@ -10,3 +10,11 @@ include: uart-device.yaml
 properties:
   mdm-power-gpios:
     type: phandle-array
+
+  autostarts:
+    type: boolean
+    description: |
+      Set for modem variants or carrier boards that start the module
+      automatically when supply voltage is applied—that is, the modem
+      asserts PWRKEY internally and does not require an external PWRKEY
+      pulse.