Advanced Television

d2d

D2D: Power levels concerns

The new Donald Trump administration, and a new chair at the FCC (Brendon Carr), is increasingly expected to permit operators such as Starlink and AST SpaceMobile to begin transmitting and receiving calls direct-to-devices and including consumer smartphones. As Armand Musey (partner at consultancy Summit Ridge Group) suggested during the recent 13th Americas Spectrum Management Conference […]

November 25, 2024

India: D2D satellite successfully trialed by Viasat, BSNL

Viasat, a global player in satellite communications, has successfully demonstrated direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity in India for the first time. Working alongside partner BSNL, India’s telecommunications provider, Viasat engineers successfully showcased satellite-powered two-way messaging services for attendees at India Mobile Congress — one of Asia’s largest technology fairs. Viasat is currently working with its partners, […]

October 16, 2024

Can SpaceX win the D2D business?

There’s a new – and potentially major – revenue opportunity coming from a couple of satellite operators: SpaceX and AST SpaceMobile are both are planning to supply Direct-to-Device communications to ordinary ‘smart’ phones. An authoritative report from Analysis Mason’s Christopher Baugh outlines their challenges and pitfalls for SpaceX in particular. Analysys Mason has developed dedicated […]

July 25, 2024

Ofcom consults on space mobile spectrum

UK comms regulator Ofcom is seeking views on the potential for satellites, aircraft and other airborne platforms to improve mobile coverage, and the implications for how it manages any associated spectrum needs. Most people depend on mobile networks that use masts on the ground to transmit signals to their phone, but mobile satellite services are […]

July 23, 2024By Colin Mann

SpaceX putting first D2D satellites into orbit

A planned launch from Vandenburg Space Force Base of 21 Starlink satellites on February 15th 2024 will contain the first batch of Elon Musk’s ‘direct to cell’ craft. Six of the 21 satellites are described as “trailblazers” and are equipped to handle direct to device communications including cellphones. The remining 15 craft are conventional Version […]

December 15, 2023By Chris Forrester

Report: D2D a big opportunity for Starlink

Elon Musk’s Starlink is well on its way to completing its first tier of 4,000 low Earth orbiting satellites. Recent data shows that 3,875 craft have been launched (including some Gen-2 versions), although not all reached orbit. Nevertheless, a report from Tim Farrar of TMF Associates suggests that Musk’s SpaceX is targeting a new business […]

February 7, 2023