Luxembourg-based OQ Technology, a pioneering European direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity provider with 60 MHz of high-priority MSS S-band spectrum, has achieved a major technological milestone using its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to successfully deliver Europe’s first direct-to-mobile emergency broadcast message from space — transmitted directly to standard smartphones without any hardware or software modifications.

The news was released at Space Tech Europe, in Bremen, Germany.

The test, expected to become mainstream and open what one observer described as a “huge flood gate” of demand from emergency ‘first responders’ as well as consumers generally and direct-to-mobile voice services in the coming year, marking the next major milestone in its mission to expand European leadership in D2D connectivity.

This milestone makes OQ Technology the first European satellite operator to demonstrate a direct-to-mobile emergency broadcast message, positioning the company at the forefront of sovereign, secure and resilient space-based communications for public safety and disaster response – all supported by 60 MHz of high-priority MSS S-band spectrum, upper C-band, and IMT (International Mobile Telecommunications) band partnerships,” says OQ.

The live demonstration in Luxembourg showcased how OQ’s LEO satellite network can transmit an emergency broadcast message directly to unmodified smartphones – including both iPhone and Android devices – ensuring citizens remain connected even when terrestrial networks are down, congested, or disrupted by cyberattacks. This capability is vital for public warning systems, disaster recovery and communications resilience across Europe and beyond, providing a reliable communication layer that remains operational when terrestrial networks are compromised.

“This achievement marks a turning point for Europe’s sovereign space capabilities,” commented Omar Qaise, Founder and CEO of OQ Technology. “With our 60 MHz of high-priority MSS S-band spectrum and in-orbit infrastructure, OQ is building the foundation for a resilient and secure European direct-to-device service that connects people everywhere. With this milestone, we’ve proven that emergency broadcast messages can reach ordinary smartphones from space – anytime and anywhere.”

As a European-headquartered satellite operator, OQ Technology is advancing 3GPPcompliant D2D connectivity, ensuring seamless integration between satellite and terrestrial mobile networks. The company says it has contributed to multiple 3GPP working groups shaping the Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) standards that underpin global satellite-to-smartphone communication.

By aligning its technology roadmap with these standards, OQ ensures that its S-band D2D network can operate natively with existing smartphones and mobile chipsets – supporting global interoperability, low-cost scalability and widespread adoption across public and private networks.

OQ’s progress reinforces Europe’s leadership in the emerging D2D ecosystem, combining regulated spectrum assets, LEO satellite infrastructure, and 3GPP-standardised technology to deliver secure, sovereign, and future-proof connectivity solutions.

OQ is working with the Luxembourg Space Agency, European Space Agency, European Innovation Council, EU Cassini Accelerator, and the Luxembourg Government, advancing Europe’s goal of sovereign, space-based communications.

“This next phase will demonstrate more cellular D2D services and capabilities such as text and voice directly from space to smartphones, further proving the versatility of our technology,” added Qaise. “With our 60 MHz of high-priority MSS S-band spectrum and operational LEO satellites, we are building the foundation for a secure and sovereign European D2D network that connects people everywhere.”

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Tags: luxembourg, mobile, Space