European momentum contrasts with cautious US adoption

Satellite direct-to-device connectivity is transitioning from experimental phase toward real commercial deployment across Europe, according to research published by Omdia. The pace of adoption is accelerating: by March 2026, roughly one in five European mobile network operators had either rolled out D2D satellite services, entered trials, or publicly committed to D2D partnerships.

"European telcos have started to integrate D2D satellite into their mobile portfolios," said Julia Schindler, Principal Analyst, Service Provider Strategy, at Omdia. "Operators that use this early phase to test technology, form partnerships, and understand customer demand will be better positioned for a 6G future in which terrestrial and non terrestrial networks are deeply integrated."

Currently, European commercial D2D offerings remain restricted to messaging and basic data transmission, which constrains near-term revenue opportunities. Consequently, most carriers are treating D2D primarily as a tool to expand coverage and boost network resilience rather than as an independent profit centre.

Operators are pursuing varied commercial models. Common strategies involve packaging D2D into higher-tier mobile plans or selling it as an optional paid service, mirroring the structure of international roaming offerings. Omdia contends that operators should seize the current window to pilot the technology, establish key partnerships, and develop market strategies before D2D becomes a standardised, lower-margin service.

Technology choices and vendor diversification

European carriers are predominantly pursuing D2D solutions that allow standard smartphones to reach satellites directly using existing mobile network standards. This approach maximises scalability and enables smoother alignment with current mobile infrastructure and payment systems.

"While Starlink has enabled the fastest path to early deployment, sovereignty and control are becoming increasingly important drivers for alternative partner selection," Schindler noted. "Many European telcos are deliberately pursuing multi-vendor strategies to preserve flexibility and reduce long term dependency as D2D becomes part of critical national infrastructure."

Competing providers, including Satellite Connect Europe, are gaining traction as operators work to broaden their supplier base and avoid over-reliance on any single partner.

Regulatory hurdles and strategic outlook

Regulatory uncertainty and spectrum allocation challenges remain the biggest obstacles to wider commercial expansion, with readiness levels differing substantially across European nations. Still, Omdia projects that current D2D trials and commercial launches will prove essential in readying operators for the 6G transition, when satellite and terrestrial networks are anticipated to operate as integrated systems from the ground up.

"D2D capabilities are limited today, but their strategic importance for the future should not be underestimated," Schindler concluded.

T-Mobile reports lower-than-expected usage in the US

The optimism surrounding D2D received a sobering reality check when T-Mobile's CEO Srini Gopalan revealed that the carrier's T-Satellite D2D service is being used significantly less than anticipated. According to reporting by Light Reading, Gopalan stated during the company's Q1 earnings call that "Most of the usage we're seeing is in national parks."

SpaceX launched commercial D2D service with T-Mobile in July 2025, with data capabilities added in October 2025. T-Mobile first announced the service in January 2025, and 1.8 million people enrolled in the beta trial.

Source: Mobile Europe