Satellite

An ambitious new development phase of ESA’s 5G/6G Hub has begun.

The agency is extending the facility’s satellite-enabled communications technologies and pursuing new collaborations with industry, as part of its drive to accelerate the 5G digital transformation of the European economy.

Ofcom has made the Regulations to exempt mobile handsets and other SIM-enabled devices from the requirement to be licensed under section 8(1) of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 when such devices are established, installed or used for Direct to Device (“D2D”) satellite services that meet the criteria set out in the Regulations.

• Deutsche Telekom is world’s first network operator to offer IoT connectivity via both GEO and LEO satellites
• Seamless, reliable NB-IoT coverage across terrestrial mobile and satellite networks
• Innovative applications realised on standard hardware

Deutsche Telekom has reached another milestone in global connectivi

On February 12, 2026 at 1:45 p.m. local time (4:45 p.m. UTC, 5:45 p.m. CET), Arianespace successfully launched 32 Amazon Leo satellites with Ariane 64 from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. The satellites were delivered to a low Earth orbit, at an altitude of approximately 465 km.

Elon Musk's SpaceX has applied to launch one million satellites into Earth's orbit to power artificial intelligence.

The application claims "orbital data centres" are the most cost and energy-efficient way to meet the growing demand for AI computing power.

There were 1.56 billion fixed broadband subscriptions in the world as of the end of the third quarter of last year, with growth driven by increased fibre uptake, particularly in some key markets.

Standard smartphones to receive signal from space 

A report by satellite firm Viasat claims 60% of customers would pay more for direct-to-device satellite services.

The report was conducted by GSMA Intelligence and surveyed more than 12,000 mobile phone users across 12 markets, quizzing them about their views towards satellite services.

The Leo Ultra antenna promises download speeds from satellites of up to 1 Gbps.

Five UK-led European satellite projects will get a bit of public money to help them, while promising to incubate ‘promising’ UK AI startups.

During the Orange OpenTech event in Paris, Orange announces the launch of “Message Satellite”, a service that allows its customers based in mainland France to send and receive SMS messages as well as their geolocation via satellite when mobile or Wi-Fi coverage is unavailable.

Amazon’s satellite operation Project Kuiper has had its name changed to Amazon Leo, ‘a simple nod’ to the Low Earth Orbit satellites that make up its burgeoning network.

Over $1 billion in aggregate contracted revenue commitments from partners reflect robust demand as company advances towards commercial service rollout

Combined cash and liquidity of $3.2 billion in pro forma cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash and availability under the ATM facility

British Airways has signed a deal with Starlink which will see it provide “every customer in every cabin” free Wi-Fi.

The airline will start its Starlink rollout in 2026, and once it has it will be available on all BA mainline and Euroflyer flights.

• Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile select Germany for Satellite Operations Centre to further strengthen Europe’s digital sovereignty.
• Move follows establishment of Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile Luxembourg-headquartered satellite joint venture, SatCo.
• Planned EU constellation to be equipped

Virgin Media O2 has signed a deal with Starlink that will see it bring direct-to-cell services to the UK in the first half of next year.

At an event held in Mexico City, the operator showcased direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity in action, including native SMS messages and push-to-talk via satellite on a commercially available Android smartphone

Japanese telco SoftBank has joined a consortium that will develop and test several spaced-based optical wireless applications.

Satellite company Iridium has teamed up with chip firm Qualcomm to integrate the former’s data services into the Snapdragon Mission Tactical Radio (MTR).

T-Mobile US has added a data offering to its satellite-based direct-to-cell service that allows customers to use slimmed-down versions of some key apps, including WhatsApp and X.

Joint project will support the development of high performance Non-Terrestrial Networks 

The global satellite IoT communications market is growing at a good steady pace according to a new research report from specialist IoT analyst firm Berg Insight. The global satellite IoT subscriber base grew to surpass 5.8 million in 2024.