Thursday, November 03, 2022

Direct-to-phone business triggers new space race

Several initiatives connecting common smartphones and satellites are close to commercial launch. Apple is expected to do so this month and Lynk is expected to present its alternative before the end of the year. Space X's Starlink and Amazon's Kuiper also have projects in the works. Moreover, the major operators have already signed up for this activity.

As the date for Apple to launch the direct-to-phone service (connection to a satellite from a conventional smartphone) for its iPhone 14 approaches, scheduled for this November, although still without a specific day, other operators are accelerating the pace to close the gap with the Apple brand.

Read full article

MORE ANALYSIS

Globales · Satellites15/04/2026

Globalstar acquisition does not narrow the gap between Amazon LEO and Starlink

Amazon’s LEO constellation only has 243 satellites in orbit, compared with more than 10,000 from Starlink. Globalstar will add 24 more specifically designed for direct-to-device (D2D) services. The case of Apple and AST SpaceMobile.

Globales · Satellites · Operators18/02/2026

D2D technology fuels satellite sector consolidation amid business model uncertainty

Three models are emerging: mobile operators offering the service as a premium add-on; IoT providers positioning it as alternative connectivity; and satellite operators seeking to monetize their traffic capacity.

Globales · Satellites · Spectrum23/12/2025

Starlink to compete with communications service providers starting in 2027

This has been stated by SpaceX, with its focus on U.S. territory. The company is expected to offer direct-to-consumer broadband services using the spectrum it has acquired from EchoStar in the 2 GHz band.

Chile · Satellites · Operators01/12/2025

Entel’s D2D proposal shakes up the regional landscape

It is the first service of its kind in the Latin American region. It uses the 1,900 MHz band with a 5 MHz bandwidth and is supported by the 650 Starlink LEO satellites operating over Chilean territory.

Globales · Satellites15/09/2025

Satellites and precise positioning redefine vehicle automation

The Chinese automaker Geely launched 11 satellites to achieve high-precision positioning and IoT communications. The cases of Honda and Toyota, and the delay of U.S. and European manufacturers.

List all analysis

A DIARIO LATINO 05-05-2026

Brasil · Regulation · Operators · Spectrum 05/05/2026

Leading regional operators secure spectrum in the 700 MHz band

Globales · Data Center · Equipment Providers and Network Solutions 05/05/2026

Cloud spending to exceed US$500 billion in 2026

América Latina · Software and Applications · Economy · E-Government 05/05/2026

UN Virtual Worlds Day 2026: A strategic entry point for Latin America’s digital transformation

List all news