AST SpaceMobile
OPERATING
Operates a space-based cellular broadband network delivering 4G and 5G connectivity directly to standard smartphones via LEO satellites
EXPLORE
Direct-to-Cell
13 in indexSatellite links that talk to unmodified handheld phones directly, without ground gateways or special antennas.
Direct-to-Cell (D2C, sometimes D2D — direct-to-device) is satellite service that connects to standard cellular phones using the same handsets and frequency bands as terrestrial networks. AST SpaceMobile, Starlink Direct-to-Cell (in partnership with T-Mobile and others), Lynk, and Apple's satellite service (via Globalstar) are all approaches to this.
Direct-to-Cell is the biggest near-term consumer expansion of satellite service. It collapses 'no signal' from a geographic to a hardware feature. Regulatory and spectrum questions — and the eventual revenue split between satellite operators and terrestrial carriers — are the central business battles.
- Emergency messaging (Apple/Globalstar)
- Rural and maritime coverage
- Asset tracking via standard IoT modems
Companies working with Direct-to-Cell
VIEW ALL 13 →
GalaxySpace
OPERATING
Designs, manufactures, and operates LEO broadband communication and remote sensing satellites for constellation deployment and satellite internet services
EXPLORE
Globalstar
OPERATING
Operates a low-Earth orbit satellite constellation providing mobile voice, data, and IoT connectivity services, and licenses Band n53 terrestrial spectrum for private 5G networks
EXPLORE
Hubble Network
OPERATING
Operates a satellite and terrestrial network enabling any standard Bluetooth chip to transmit location and sensor data globally without cellular infrastructure
EXPLORE
Iridium Communications
OPERATING
Operates a 66-satellite LEO constellation providing pole-to-pole voice, data, IoT, and PNT services via cross-linked L-band satellites
EXPLORE
Lacuna Space
OPERATING
Operates a low-Earth orbit satellite network providing direct-to-device IoT connectivity for remote sensors using its proprietary LoneWhisper protocol based on LoRaWAN
EXPLORE
Lynk Global
OPERATING
Operates LEO nanosatellites providing direct-to-device connectivity to unmodified mobile phones via mobile network operator partnerships
EXPLORE
OQ Technology
OPERATING
Operates a low Earth orbit satellite constellation providing 5G NB-IoT and direct-to-device connectivity for global IoT applications in remote and underserved areas
EXPLORE
Omnispace
OPERATING
Operates non-geostationary satellite infrastructure to deliver hybrid 5G direct-to-device mobile connectivity using globally harmonized S-band spectrum
EXPLORE
Sateliot
OPERATING
Operates the first LEO satellite constellation delivering 5G NB-IoT connectivity from space, extending cellular IoT coverage globally
EXPLORE
Space42
OPERATING
Integrates satellite communications, geospatial analytics, and artificial intelligence for government and enterprise customers worldwide
EXPLORE
SpaceX
OPERATING
Designs and operates reusable launch vehicles, crew and cargo spacecraft, and the Starlink broadband constellation, with a national-security variant
EXPLORE
Long March 5 launches classified satellite, Zhuque-2E lofts direct-to-device test sats
China has conducted a pair of launches to advance its communications capabilities, using the country’s largest rocket and a commercial launcher. The post Long March 5 launches classified satellite, Zhuque-2E lofts direct-to-device test sats appeared first on SpaceNews.
Inside the State of the Satellite Industry 2026 Report with SIA President Tom Stroup
There’s a lot of hype in the space industry and bold projections about how demand for satellite broadband, direct-to-device, and more. But every year, the Satellite Industry Association provides a […] The post Inside the State of the Satellite Industry 2026 Report with SIA President Tom Stroup appeared first on Via Satellite.
OQ Technology plans direct-to-smartphone demo with cellular spectrum
Luxembourg’s OQ Technology plans to test direct-to-smartphone satellite connectivity next year in Germany using a local telco’s cellular spectrum, setting up a challenge to U.S.-led services in the emerging market. The post OQ Technology plans direct-to-smartphone demo with cellular spectrum appeared first on SpaceNews.
Juniper Research Expects Massive Spike in Direct-to-Cell Subscribers
There could be over 130 million active monthly direct-to-cell (D2C) users by 2031, according to a new report from Juniper Research, “Direct to Cell Market 2026 – 2031.” Juniper estimates […] The post Juniper Research Expects Massive Spike in Direct-to-Cell Subscribers appeared first on Via Satellite.
China launches test direct-to-device satellites for multiple projects
China capped a busy month of launches by sending four new satellite internet test satellites into orbit with a workhorse hypergolic rocket. The post China launches test direct-to-device satellites for multiple projects appeared first on SpaceNews.
Europe’s satellite spectrum proposal clouds SpaceX and Viasat plans
Europe has proposed reserving two-thirds of 2 gigahertz mobile satellite spectrum up for renewal next year for European operators, complicating SpaceX’s direct-to-device ambitions and the outlook for Viasat’s European Aviation Network. The post Europe’s satellite spectrum proposal clouds SpaceX and Viasat plans appeared first on SpaceNews.
Viasat Completes D2D Demo in Uzbekistan
Viasat has completed a direct-to-device (D2D) demonstration in the republic of Uzbekistan, featuring application-based messaging on an Android smartphone. The demonstration showcased smartphones sending and receiving messages over Viasat’s L-band […] The post Viasat Completes D2D Demo in Uzbekistan appeared first on Via Satellite .
AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon CEOs Want Multiple Constellations for D2D Service
After announcing a joint venture to work together on direct-to-device, the CEOs of AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon all addressed their satellite strategies this week at an investor event — pointing […] The post AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon CEOs Want Multiple Constellations for D2D Service appeared first on Via Satellite .