The year of satellite direct-to-device spectrum battles

The Communications Systems Technical Committee is working to advance communications systems research and applications.

2025 was a pivotal year for spectrum battles, as the race to deliver connectivity directly from satellite to mobile devices became fiercely competitive. The rapidly unfolding market for satellite direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity provides for the ultimate communications systems solution for global ubiquitous coverage for connecting the unconnected.

There are two spectrum strategies: terrestrial mobile bands and dedicated mobile satellite service (MSS) bands. Using terrestrial bands allows satellites to talk to existing phones, but raises interference and regulatory challenges with a complexity in dynamic satellite orchestration of spectrum usage. MSS bands in close proximity to the terrestrial bands have already been coordinated for block spectrum utilization, simplifying implementation; however, they may require modifications to the mobile device to accommodate the spectrum range and global harmonization.

Early-year positioning

AST SpaceMobile of Texas struck several deals to expand its spectrum access. It secured up to 45 Megahertz of U.S. mid-band spectrum through a deal with Ligado in January and followed up in August by acquiring global S-band ITU rights (60 MHz) that could support broader international D2D deployment.

The company also made headlines in July by conducting D2D video calls using unmodified phones in Japan, and in April when it secured test authorizations from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission for full voice, data and video trials.

Another competitor, Lynk Global of Virginia, teamed up with satellite communications provider SES in March for integrated network services via SES’s network of medium-Earth orbit satellites, connecting the proposed Lynk LEO constellation operating in the 600-900 MHz bands.

And SES in July completed its acquisition of Intelsat, bringing another D2D service provider into the fold.

Mid-year steady progress

Following last year’s Apple contracts to Globalstar and MDA Space for next-generation D2D connectivity, Apple cemented the relationship with Globalstar spectrum and D2D capability in the iPhone. The company in September announced the new Apple Watch Ultra 3 will have emergency SOS capability, leveraging the satellite S- and L-band D2D constellation.

MDA Space in August secured a contract to build the future D2D satellite constellation of EchoStar (the parent of Dish Network. However, Echostar terminated that agreement in September.

Late-year breaking news

In September, EchoStar agreed to sell its AWS-4 and H-block spectrum licenses — a total of 50 MHz — to SpaceX for $17 billion. This gives SpaceX’s Starlink exclusive control of a vital mid-band block for D2D use in the U.S.
The same month, Space42 and Viasat established their Equatys Venture to provide a D2D services with a TowerCo infrastructure model, seeking investors for their coordinated spectrum block.

Looking ahead

The U.S. spectrum battle has been unyielding and dramatic. Satellite constellation providers are building infrastructure positioned for global coverage and global capability. However, this global battle will be determined at the regional level, because each country has its regional mobile network operators and terrestrial services. It’s not yet clear whether those groups will form friendly partnerships or competing services.

However, it’s certain the global market landscape is rapidly evolving — and spectrum access is at the center of it.

Opener image: A view of the solar cell-side of AST SpaceMobile’s BlueWalker 3 test satellite. Credit: AST SpaceMobile