European Telecom Operators Expand Satellite Direct-To-Device Services

Emerging Trends In D2D Satellite Solutions

New research from market intelligence firm Omdia highlights growing adoption of satellite direct-to-device connectivity among European telecom operators. The report comes as early commercial satellite-to-smartphone services begin expanding across Europe, reflecting broader efforts to integrate non-terrestrial connectivity into mainstream mobile networks.

Strategic Integration And Early Commercial Initiatives

According to the research, 22% of European mobile network operators have either launched, tested or announced partnerships related to direct-to-device satellite services. Most operators currently position D2D capabilities as tools for extending coverage and strengthening network resilience rather than standalone revenue businesses. Commercial offerings remain focused primarily on messaging and basic data services, with some telecom providers integrating the features as premium add-ons similar to international roaming packages.

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Preparing For A 6G Future

Julia Schindler said operators are using the current phase to evaluate technology performance, customer demand and partnership structures ahead of broader 6G integration. Industry discussions increasingly focus on how terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks could operate together within future communications infrastructure.

Scalability And Multi-Vendor Strategies

European telecom groups are increasingly prioritising systems that allow standard smartphones to connect directly to satellites using existing mobile technologies. The approach supports compatibility with current billing systems and mobile network infrastructure while reducing barriers to adoption. Although Starlink helped accelerate early market development, operators are increasingly exploring multi-vendor partnerships to avoid long-term dependence on single providers.

Navigating Regulatory And Spectrum Challenges

Regulatory fragmentation and spectrum allocation remain among the largest obstacles to wider deployment across Europe. Differences in national regulatory frameworks continue to create uneven conditions for commercial rollout, despite growing investment and testing activity across the sector.

Conclusion

While current D2D services remain relatively limited in functionality, telecom operators increasingly view the technology as part of a longer-term transition toward integrated satellite and terrestrial communications networks. Ongoing trials and partnerships are expected to shape how future 6G infrastructure evolves across European markets.

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Keve Welcomes New Cyprus Business Development Organisation

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 17, 2026

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) has welcomed Parliament’s unanimous approval of legislation establishing the Cyprus Business Development Organisation, describing it as a major step toward improving access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises, startups and self-employed professionals.

Expanding Access To Finance

The legislation creates a new public body aimed at addressing financing gaps by supporting businesses that struggle to secure funding through traditional channels.

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According to Keve, the initiative could strengthen entrepreneurship, boost competitiveness and support Cyprus’ green and digital transition. The chamber has long argued that SMEs rely too heavily on bank financing, limiting investment, expansion and innovation.

Keve Calls For Swift Implementation

Keve said it helped shape the legislation through the consultation process and called for the organisation to become operational as quickly as possible. It also pledged to continue working with the Finance Ministry and the organisation’s management to support implementation.

How The Organisation Will Operate

Approved by Parliament on Tuesday, the legislation establishes Cyprus’ national business development body under the supervision of the Finance Minister, while the Central Bank of Cyprus will oversee anti-money laundering compliance.

The organisation will design financing programmes, provide loans and conduct studies to identify weaknesses in the financing market.

Cyprus will provide €60 million in initial capital. Over time, the body will also be able to raise funding from European and international institutions and benefit from state guarantees linked to approved strategic priorities.

Recovery Plan Milestone

Creation of the organisation is one of the final milestones under Cyprus’ Recovery and Resilience Plan and is required for the country to receive the plan’s ninth and final payment. Appointment of the board of directors remains the last outstanding step.

Before approving the bill, the Finance Ministry revised the draft following consultations with MPs and stakeholders. The changes removed provisions allowing the organisation to establish companies and narrowed the list of eligible beneficiaries by excluding small mid-cap companies.

Lawmakers also strengthened governance rules by introducing stricter board suitability requirements, conflict-of-interest safeguards, enhanced reporting obligations and borrowing limits. A seven-member board appointed by the Cabinet will oversee the organisation, while a transitional board will serve for two years until it becomes fully operational.

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