Story perspectives

Experts Warn Direct-to-Device Satellite Connectivity Risks Fragmentation

4/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

At Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, experts warn that Direct-to-Device satellite connectivity architecture is incompatible and may increase fragmentation.
The lack of standardized deployment models complicates integration for Mobile Network Operators, though satellite operator partnerships could help.
Current D2D services remain basic in a few countries, with more advanced capabilities years away.
Industry voices warn a patchwork of services could fail to meet enterprise and consumer needs.

1 of 1

Story summary

At Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, experts warn that Direct-to-Device satellite connectivity architecture is incompatible and may increase fragmentation.
The lack of standardized deployment models complicates integration for Mobile Network Operators, though satellite operator partnerships could help.
Current D2D services remain basic in a few countries, with more advanced capabilities years away.
Industry voices warn a patchwork of services could fail to meet enterprise and consumer needs.