The latest generation of direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity represents a significant development in how people stay connected. Operators around the world are working together with satellite companies to deliver new D2D services, with new partnerships launching all the time.
Opensignal created this map to provide an independent view of where consumer adoption stands today.
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Data as of —
Current D2D services are designed to work alongside mobile services, rather than separately. As of August 2026, the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) shows that 23 operators across 18 countries and territories have launched commercial satellite-to-cellphone service offerings.
Read articleCurrent D2D services are limited to specific uses like text messaging, or a limited range of apps. This is due to a range of factors, such as limited spectrum and the satellites and phone antennas in use are also early-generation hardware. D2D standards are still progressing, which will shape this evolution.
Unlike satellite broadband, many D2D services can work on almost any modern smartphone, while some are limited to select devices. Development of newer, D2D-optimized devices is currently in progress.
Lian Carl · August 2026Testing D2D in the Pacific NorthwestAn Opensignal product team member tests her experience with D2D in Washington and Canada.Read article
Fiona Armstrong-Mills · July 2026What’s going on with Starlink?With all the happenings around Starlink, an Opensignal analyst wanted to share her thoughts on the potential, the reality, and just which stars need to align to bridge Starlink’s bid to own the satellite space and operate a mobile network.Read article
Sylwia Kechiche · May 2026Reflections from M360 Eurasia: Sovereignty, Satellites, and the AI Reality CheckSamarkand hosted M360 Eurasia for the first time. Digital sovereignty has moved from rhetoric to procurement decisions, satellite is now core operator strategy, and AI ambition is running ahead of the infrastructure to support it.Read article
PCMag · October 2026Where are people using cellular satellite services? This map will show youOpensignal’s Satellite Map tracks the rise of direct-to-device service from Starlink and others.Read article
NBC News · August 2026How Amazon’s satellite internet dreams fell years behind scheduleDelays one after another have frustrated the progress of Amazon Leo, a long-planned internet service that requires putting thousands of satellites 370 miles overhead.Read article
RCR News · July 2026D2D satellite services face a reality check on consumer expectationsOpensignal sees D2D services moving rapidly into commercial deployment, but operators must measure real-world experience.Read article