The direct-to-device (D2D) satellite market has experienced a notable surge, with connections rising nearly 25% from July 2025 to March 2026, according to network intelligence firm Ookla. This growth highlights the increasing integration of satellite technology with smartphones, allowing users to connect directly to satellites when traditional cellular coverage is unavailable.
US Dominance in D2D Connections
The United States has emerged as the leader in D2D connections, accounting for 45.9% of global activity as of March 2026. This dominance is largely attributed to the presence of SpaceX and its extensive Starlink satellite constellation, which serves as a critical infrastructure in areas with limited cell tower coverage. The rollout of D2D services by T-Mobile in early 2025, utilizing Starlink technology, has further solidified the US’s position in this market.
Global Activity and Key Players
Other countries also show significant D2D activity, with Australia at 18.1%, Chile at 10%, and Canada at 9.8%. These regions, similar to the US, have large rural areas where traditional mobile coverage is sparse. While Starlink dominates the D2D landscape, other players like Skylo and Lynk Global are also contributing to the market.
Current Limitations and Future Prospects
Despite the growth, satellite connectivity remains a small fraction of overall mobile usage. In March 2026, only 0.46% of users on Ookla’s Speedtest service in the US connected to a D2D satellite. The current offerings are limited to text messaging and basic data services, but advancements are expected to enable voice calls and more robust data capabilities as satellite networks evolve.
International Developments and Partnerships
Internationally, Ukraine was the first European nation to support Starlink through its telco Kyivstar in November 2025, providing essential connectivity in conflict-affected areas. In the UK, Virgin Media O2 launched its D2D satellite service in February 2026, also leveraging Starlink technology. Meanwhile, other satellite operators like AST SpaceMobile are preparing to enter the market, despite recent setbacks in satellite deployment.
As of February 2026, D2D services have launched in 15 countries, with an additional 61 countries exploring or planning such partnerships. Starlink leads with 59 partnerships, followed by AST SpaceMobile with 28.
This article was produced by NeonPulse.today using human and AI-assisted editorial processes, based on publicly available information. Content may be edited for clarity and style.
