The Federal Communication Commission has voted to launch a proceeding to explore new avenues for enabling innovative unlicensed wireless devices to communicate directly with satellites. According to the FCC, unlocking the 200 megahertz of unlicensed spectrum for direct-to-device (D2D) uses promises to support new services that seamlessly integrate devices across terrestrial and satellite platforms, giving […]
Analyst Professor Tim Farrar (of TMF Associates) has released a report on Starlink’s profile and forecasts which contains detailed forecasts of the consumer, government and D2D businesses as well as analysis of Starlink’s technology and regulatory progress. Farrar also states that he has heard rumours that Starlink is developing its own smartphone. Farrar said: “It […]
AST SpaceMobile has a European joint-venture with Vodafone. Bloomberg suggests that the AST/Vodafone joint venture is the “frontrunner” for upcoming Direct-to-Device (D2D) services over Europe and beyond. The joint-venture is Satellite Connect Europe. In May, the European Commission (EC) proposed reserving a third of the 2 GHz frequency band suitable for direct-to-device satellite communication services […]
Abu Dhabi-based Space42, which already owns the Al-Yah/Yahsat and Thuraya satellites, says that Direct-to-Device (D2D) potential is massive, and a $50 billion (€43.4bn) market. It is planning a Joint Venture with California-based Viasat, called Equatys. The Equatys scheme calls for 2800 satellites in various orbits (at 500, 640 and 1023 kms orbital heights) will see […]
Researchers at Analysys Mason forecast that Direct-to-Device (D2D) revenues will double year on year to 2030, as satellite connectivity becomes embedded in mainstream mobile networks. “Ten years ago, the satellite communications sector lagged well behind mainstream telecoms in maturity and development. Then, in December 2015, SpaceX returned a booster to its launch pad for the […]
SWISSto12 has announced a major contract with German high-performance space subsystem providers HPS/LSS. The Munich-based consortium will provide a large deployable reflector subsystem (LDRS) for the NEASTAR-1 mission, built on HummingSat, enabling the world’s first direct-to-device media broadcasting capabilities from geostationary orbit. The German-led antenna reflector subsystem is the result of more than 15 years of development […]
Satellite direct to device (D2D) connectivity is moving from concept to early commercialisation in Europe, according to research from Omdia. While the market remains at an early stage, momentum is building: as of March 2026, 22 per cent of European mobile network operators have launched, are trialing, or have announced D2D satellite partnerships. This level […]
Ookla has analysed the rapid emergence of the direct-to-device (D2D) satellite market in the UK. Following Virgin Media O2’s launch of O2 Satellite in February, the UK has jumped from a negligible presence to become the world’s third-largest D2D market by unique-user count, trailing only the US and Australia. Key takeaways include: The UK has […]
Following the news that direct-to-device (D2D) LEO vendor AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird 7 satellite, launched on Blue Origin’s launch vehicle, failed to reach correct low-Earth orbit position and is in the process of being decommissioned; Ismail Patel, Senior Analyst in Enterprise Technology at GlobalData – the intelligence and productivity platform – has shared his views: “BB7 […]
Ookla has analysed the Direct-to-Device (D2D) industry, based on Speedtest Intelligence data from July 2025 to March 2026. “Just a few years ago, the idea that a smartphone could connect to a satellite seemed more science fiction than technological possibility. But now, such connections are not only possible, they’re popping up in a growing number […]