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.

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.

Activity, interest and investments in direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services has increased dramatically over the past two years, driven by multiple technology, regulatory, partnership and service strategies, with telcos and satellite operators such as

Leading space solutions company will use optical ground stations to deliver faster, more secure data from space

Companies will advance next generation quantum-secured satellite communications on Honeywell’s QKDSat Project with the European Space Agency, sponsored by the UK, Belgian, Austrian, Canadian, and Czech Republic Space Agencies

SpaceX has entered into a purchase agreement with EchoStar for 50 MHz of exclusive S-band spectrum in the US as well as global Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) spectrum licenses.

• Low-earth orbit (LEO) systems are increasingly attractive to businesses (especially SMEs) and to domestic subscribers all over the world
• The value of the sector is forecast to grow by almost 25% to hit US$14.8bn by 2026
• LEO services for global IoT connectivity will also grow by

• Deliberate sabotage by “malign actors” is increasing under the cloak of “plausible deniability”
• The immense amounts of vital data carried by submarine cable systems cannot be replaced or even ameliorated by satellites or microwaves 
• Lack of a coherent global strategy to countera

Lynk Global, Inc. (“Lynk”), a leader in satellite direct-to-device telecommunications, announced the mutual termination of its previously announced Business Combination Agreement (“BCA”) with SLAM Corp. (“SLAM”), a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company.

New leading multi-orbit space company with a network of 120 GEO+MEO satellites and access to LEO constellations enables SES to better serve its customers

UK tech innovation will once again be showcased on the GREAT Britain and Northern Ireland Pavilion at MWC 2026, 3-6 March in Barcelona.

Innovative and imaginative tech startups and scaleups will showcase solutions at the cutting edge of telecoms and mobile, building a new era of connectivity.

• French satellite operator Eutelsat counts the OneWeb low-earth orbit (LEO) constellation as part of its portfolio
• As sovereign considerations gain greater weight, Europe is looking to ensure it has a major satellite broadband player
• Eutelsat is raising €1.35bn to help fund OneWeb’s e

Eutelsat and France’s armed forces ministry have made a framework agreement for LEO satellite services in the pursuit of reinforcing French military space comms.

Quantum key distribution (QKD) is headed for the stars thanks to a new consortium launched by the European Space Agency (ESA) and Spanish satellite operator Hispasat.

The group, called Q-Design, has set its sights on enabling QKD via geostationary and low Earth orbit satellites (GEO/LEO) as well as terrestrial infrastructure.

Orange has announced a new deal with Eutelsat that will enable it to add LEO connectivity into its portfolio of satellite-based communications services.

Nokia, Colt, and Honeywell are researching how to protect encrypted data from quantum risks using Low Earth Orbit satellites.

The FCC has voted to look at the possibility of opening up more than 20,000 MHz of underused spectrum for satellite, a move that could prove something of a boon for companies operating from space.

Satellite operator AST SpaceMobile has provided a launch update as it inches towards offering consumer services.