In recent years, Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite connectivity has emerged as a transformative force in global telecommunications, moving from niche use cases to potential mass-market applications. This report reviews current developments, commercial models and regulatory responses and the outlook for the rest of 2025.

UK regulatory landscape & Ofcom’s role

In the UK, Ofcom has taken significant steps to support D2D services, including most recently publishing a consultation paper on Enabling Satellite Direct to Device Services in Mobile Spectrum Bands in March 2025. Ofcom is currently consulting to define a framework for authorising satellite-based services on existing UK mobile bands below 3GHz. Potential models include licence exemptions, MNO spectrum variations, and new “terminal licences” for D2D connectivity. The UK is on track to establish a regulatory model that could serve as a global template.

Ofcom is concurrently exploring broader spectrum initiatives. These include the 2 GHz MSS band to support space-based mobile services, transitioning MSS satellite terminals to a “light licence” regime, and engaging with European regulators on satellite IoT. With a growing number of non-geostationary satellite orbit operators in the UK, Ofcom is developing frameworks to ensure efficient spectrum and orbital use in an increasingly congested environment. These efforts highlight Ofcom’s proactive stance in facilitating innovative satellite-based solutions.

Global D2D enabling satellite networks

Globally, multiple players are investing in satellite infrastructure to support D2D. The European Union’s IRIS² project aims to deploy a sovereign, multi-orbit satellite network by 2030, enhancing secure connectivity and potentially enabling D2D services. Eutelsat OneWeb has already begun offering LEO broadband and is exploring D2D in collaboration with telecom operators. Meanwhile, China’s Tiantong-1 and the GuoWang constellation are advancing both GEO and LEO-based D2D services, potentially positioning China as a leading non-US competitor in D2D connectivity.

Outlook for 2025

We expect D2D services to transition from technology demonstrations to commercial services, becoming a standard mobile feature. Technological advancements like improved waveforms, antenna enhancements, and inter-satellite routing will support scalability.

Emergency SOS and remote communication will be the primary use cases initially, and carriers may initially bundle basic satellite texting with regular plans or offer premium tiers for voice and data services alongside an enterprise strategy. However, D2D’s true revenue potential lies in specific user segments, like primary connectivity for remote regions or where demand lies for D2D broadband, eventually expanding to mass scale applications in IoT, vehicle connectivity, and public safety architecture.

Regulatory developments will shape its rollout, with jurisdictions choosing between first-mover advantage or waiting for alignment from key forums such as WRC-27.

The competitive landscape will likely see consolidation as satellite operators seek device compatibility with popular smartphones, where solutions with mass market device access enjoying a natural advantage, and roaming and interoperability arrangements becoming vital.

Conclusion

Commercial D2D services available at scale will mark a significant milestone in the evolution of global mobile connectivity. Technological advances, regulatory frameworks, and innovative commercial models will help pave the way to making D2D a genuinely mainstream connectivity option over the coming years. The UK’s regulatory advancements could set the stage for global adoption, with partnerships between satellite operators and MNOs playing a critical role in expanding satellite coverage worldwide.