Direct-to-device technology threatens to pit satellite and mobile operators against each other in the years ahead.

TechCentral

Direct-to-device satellite technology is rapidly approaching mainstream viability, driven by three converging trends: silicon-carbon batteries enabling more powerful signals in standard smartphones, regulators like the FCC relaxing satellite power-limit rules, and demonstrated higher-bandwidth use cases including voice and video calls over LEO connections. While current implementations require outdoor use with clear sky visibility, the technology's trajectory suggests LEO satellite providers could eventually compete directly with terrestrial mobile operators rather than partnering with them. This competitive threat is already acknowledged by major telecoms like MTN, and raises regulatory questions around spectrum allocation and compliance requirements for satellite operators entering consumer markets.

The satellite war on terrestrial telecoms has already begun