D2D Satellite: Telcos Join Viasat & Globalstar Push
The mobile connectivity landscape is undergoing a significant shift. What began as a niche emergency service has evolved into a serious technological opportunity: Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite connectivity is rapidly gaining traction, with industry experts predicting commercial expansion beyond SOS messaging from 2025 onwards.
For the telecommunications sector, the implications are profound. D2D enables mobile network operators (MNOs) to fill gaps in terrestrial infrastructure, offering coverage where towers cannot reach in remote regions, maritime zones and disaster-hit areas.
For telcos seeking to reduce churn, enhance their customer proposition and expand into underserved markets, D2D represents a transformative frontier.
Multiple models emerge in the D2D ecosystem
- Proprietary systems, such as Apple's partnership with Globalstar, operate within a controlled ecosystem.
- Supplemental coverage models, such as the T-Mobile and Starlink initiative, that by design extend terrestrial services via satellite.
- Standards-based platforms, promoted by players such as Skylo and Viasat, support open and interoperable satellite-to-device communication.
Each approach has its advantages, but they reflect different strategic visions. Some aim to retain user exclusivity, while others work to support broad-scale adoption across carriers.
"The timing of the Viasat demonstration is significant for the industry, showcasing advancements in satellite technology and the company's dedication to the Brazilian market," said Andy Kessler, Vice President, Viasat Enterprise.
"As Brazil already has access to our services, the implementation of D2D technology and related infrastructure relies on collaborations and we have made significant progress in our conversations with potential partners."
Andy's comments highlight the importance of cross-industry collaboration in scaling D2D solutions and accelerating global availability.
D2D is a strategic telco opportunity, yet a threat
For MNOs, D2D is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it provides an immediate opportunity to extend their network footprint and reduce dependence on costly terrestrial rollouts. On the other hand, it presents the risk of disintermediation.
Companies like Apple, through their integrated hardware-and-service model, are demonstrating that direct global connectivity is technically and commercially viable.
If satellite providers begin offering voice and data directly to consumers, bypassing MNOs, the traditional role of operators may be reduced to regional access providers, losing out on the higher-margin customer relationship and service layer.
"This isn't theoretical, it's out there now," said Paul Jacobs, CEO of Globalstar. "We can talk about where we go from here, but there's a model that's validated and the technology works. The fact that people are getting value from being rescued is all that's validated. We know this works."
Paul's remarks highlight that D2D is a functioning commercial reality, not a future concept.
Technical and regulatory hurdles
Despite the momentum, significant challenges remain. Signal strength, Doppler shift from low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, latency, power consumption and spectrum interference must all be addressed to make D2D work reliably on standard smartphones.
Regulatory barriers complicate the picture. While countries like the US and Australia benefit from their large, unified geographies, densely populated regions like Europe must navigate complex cross-border spectrum licensing.
In response to these complexities, collaborative initiatives are emerging. Programmes from the European Space Agency and GSMA Foundry are actively fostering innovation to solve these obstacles and help standardise technology across networks and markets.
For MNOs, the question is not whether D2D will impact their business but how and when. Partnering with satellite players today gives operators a first-mover advantage and helps shape the standards and customer experience. It ensures that MNOs remain integral to the service stack as D2D scales beyond emergency use cases.
If MNOs fail to engage, device manufacturers or satellite providers may capture high-value connectivity services, leaving MNOs in a passive role within a more fragmented value chain.
The telco industry's push for open, standards-based D2D models reflects a broader strategic imperative: to ensure the next phase of global connectivity remains inclusive, competitive and beneficial for both networks and their customers.
A turning point for global connectivity
D2D satellite connectivity has transitioned from a proof-of-concept to a practical deployment. As commercial use cases expand, telecom companies face both risks and opportunities.
With strategic partnerships, open standards and early engagement, mobile operators can play a central role in defining a future where truly ubiquitous connectivity is not just possible, but expected.
