Canada-based Telesat is a longstanding geostationary fixed satellite service operator. In 2026, Telesat continues to progress its planned Lightspeed LEO satellite constellation, with the launch of commercial services pushed out to Q1 2028. Having received authorisation to use commercial Ka-band spectrum for the constellation, in March 2026, Telesat announced the… Read more...

In the wake of potential FCC investigations and forfeitures, in 2025, Echostar sold the majority of its spectrum portfolio to AT&T and SpaceX. As a result of the transactions, Echostar’s Boost Mobile will operate as a hybrid cloud-native mobile network, and its subscribers will have access to SpaceX’s direct-to-device services.… Read more...

A pioneer in the satellite direct-to-device (D2D) segment, Lynk has signed various agreements with mobile network operators around the world. Yet, it has also been hit by some setbacks in recent years, including increased competition from Starlink and a failed entry into the stock market. A recent merger with German… Read more...

With over 10,000 satellites in orbit and megaconstellations such as Starlink growing fast, figuring out what to do with satellites once they stop working has become a major challenge. Read more...

PolicyTracker’s D2D-IMT benchmark profiles developments relating to the regulation and authorisation of satellite direct-to-device (D2D) services based on mobile operators’ licensed frequencies. WRC-27 will consider this topic under Agenda Item 1.13, but regulatory work is already ongoing in some parts of the world to meet industry demand to launch D2D-IMT… Read more...

Satellite D2D services are reshaping connectivity by enabling direct communication with standard smartphones. This research note explores the approaches of six key players in the industry, focusing on their spectrum strategies and commercial progress. Read more...

Mobile network operators around the world are teaming up with satellite companies such as SpaceX (Starlink), AST SpaceMobile and Lynk Global to develop direct-to-device (D2D) services based on licensed mobile spectrum. D2D-IMT promises service continuity in places beyond the reach of terrestrial mobile networks, such as in remote and mountainous… Read more...

Industry consolidation is opening up a multi-orbit strategy for satellite operators, while regulators continue to grapple with satellite-direct-to-device service as more companies are attracted to it. WRC-23 saw a split in the satellite industry between GEO and LEO operators over interference. Read more...

The exploding number of satellite constellations, and growing national and international interest in a range of space initiatives from communications to climate change monitoring, have sparked a policy push to determine whether more spectrum is needed to power space activities and if so, in what bands. This research note considers… Read more...

While the rate of mobile data traffic consumption appears to be slowing, there are disagreements about what data consumption will be at the end of the decade. This research note considers different predictions, and how they may impact future policymaking in the 6G era. Read more...