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 · 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.

Globales · Satellites17/07/2025

Direct-to-Device: Two competing models in active testing phase

On one side are the established operators offering mobile services via satellite; on the other, the new entrants relying on large LEO constellations. Revenue forecasts project US$36 billion from D2D (direct-to-device) services by 2033.

List all analysis

A DIARIO LATINO 06-03-2026

Brasil · Mobile · Operators 06/03/2026

Surf revives mobile network plan in São Paulo

Chile · Fixed Broadband · Satellites 06/03/2026

Starlink neared 130,000 customers after 72% growth in 2025

México · Internet & OTT 06/03/2026

Streaming accounts fell by nearly 2 million in six months

List all news