- Telefónica and Orange are working with Satellite Connect Europe to explore direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity via AST SpaceMobile
- OQ Technology does satellite IoT and plots entry into D2D
- Virgin Media O2 has gone live with D2D satellite mobile data connectivity, working with Starlink
At Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, SpaceX made a splash, announcing that its direct-to-cell constellation, called Starlink Mobile, will aim to connect to regular, unmodified cell phones everywhere in the world. But some European groups also made satellite-related announcements at the show, albeit to much less fanfare.
Both Telefónica and Orange said they’re working with Satellite Connect Europe to explore direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity on the continent. Satellite Connect Europe is a joint venture between Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile. It was founded in 2025 and is headquartered in Luxembourg. Its goal is to integrate AST SpaceMobile’s low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite capability directly into existing European mobile networks.
Telefónica said it plans to work with Satellite Connect Europe to integrate D2D satellite capabilities into its existing 4G and 5G networks. The operator wants to make sure satellite services align with European regulatory frameworks and spectrum usage requirements.
Similarly, Orange said it was partnering with AST SpaceMobile and Satellite Connect Europe for D2D satellite connectivity, starting with demonstrations in Romania where it will test satellite-based voice, SMS and data in the second half of 2026. The collaboration includes exploring specific measures to support European security requirements and studying the integration into a core network managed by Orange.
Another Luxembourg-based initiative
This week Fierce spoke with Omar Qaise, CEO of the satellite company OQ Technology, which is based in Luxembourg. OQ Technology was one of the first to work on connecting IoT devices to LEO satellites, using narrow-band IoT (NB-IoT).
“The idea was, how can I make a device that can connect to a cellular tower on the ground, connected to the sky with the same radio link, same technology, and I just hand over between ground and satellite seamlessly, as if I'm roaming on the ground,” said Qaise. “That was the concept. And then we patented the technology for NTN [non-terrestrial networks] over satellites, using narrowband IoT technology, even before the standard Release 17. So, it was just a small adaptation to align with the standard on our satellites.”
The company currently has 10 LEO satellites in orbit, and it’s planning to launch seven more this year.
“I see ourselves as a pioneer in non-terrestrial network technology and as a European sovereign operator,” said Qaise.
While OQ has focused on satellite-based IoT, the company is also trying to expand into the D2D market. “It's a small transition for us in terms of technology,” said Qaise. “We have the experience, all the technology and the spectrum to allow us to do this. And it's a massive market, of course. And this is why we are going to be addressing D2D in addition to IoT.”
The first D2D service OQ is testing is emergency alerts for weather disasters or other calamities, which can save lives when there is no terrestrial network available for notifications. “You just broadcast to mobile phones that alert message and connect to smartphones like a cell tower in the sky,” said Qaise. “We were the first European satellite operator to connect to an unmodified smartphone from space, using broadcast of alert messages.”
Its emergency alert test was conducted in November 2025, using OQ’s our own SIM card. Now, OQ is in talks with mobile operators who many want to integrate this into their offerings.
Virgin Media O2 offers D2D satellite service
Last month, Virgin Media O2 said it's making the U.K. become the first country in Europe to go live with D2D satellite mobile data connectivity. At launch, O2 Satellite is available as a £3-per-month bolt on service to all O2 pay-monthly customers and will soon be available to Ultimate Plan customers at no extra cost.
Virgin Media O2’s service is powered by Starlink. It’s designed to complement Virgin Media O2’s existing mobile network — customers will connect automatically when traditional cellular coverage is unavailable.
At launch, O2 Satellite supports text messaging and data across WhatsApp, Messenger and Google Maps. The service is initially available to customers with the latest Samsung smartphones, with support for other devices, manufacturers and apps to be introduced soon.
Global Data analyst Natasha Rybak said, “O2 Satellite serves up nothing new on the consumer D2D satellite mobile menu, but that’s not the point. Attracting eyes, users and kudos as a first-to-market in Europe is. It’s a well-calibrated launch from a messaging and commercial standpoint.”