Telephone announced this Monday a strategic collaboration with Satellite Connect Europe to explore the development and integration of direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity in Europe. The objective is to analyze how this technology can be integrated with current 4G and 5G networks to reinforce the coverage of existing land mobile networks, especially in Spain and Germany, and contribute to improving network resilience in specific scenarios.
D2D connectivity allows mobile devices to connect directly to satellites, without the need for additional equipment, maintaining an operator-managed experience. This opens the door to expanding coverage in remote areas or in exceptional situations in which terrestrial networks may be affected.
Telephone supports the promotion of satellite services in Europe that comply with community regulations and to the requirements regarding spectrum use. Within the framework of this collaboration, the teleco will continue to work with the different players in the sector to contribute to discussions on the future evolution of D2D satellite connectivity on the continent.
Andrea Folgueiras, Global CTIO at Telefónica, highlighted that the exploration of new direct-to-device satellite technologies will allow the company to “deepen how satellite connectivity can complement advanced mobile networks and help meet the connectivity needs in remote areas of Europe.”
For her part, Meredith Sharples, general director of Satellite Connect Europe, values collaboration as a significant step in the implementation of direct-to-device satellite connectivity powered by AST SpaceMobile for customers across Europe. Sharples emphasizes that the agreement demonstrates the growing support of the main European operators for this type of satellite solutions.