The traditional boundary between mobile networks and satellite communications is rapidly disappearing.
The US Federal Communications Commission has announced plans to vote later this month on measures designed to advance direct-to-device satellite services, technology that could allow ordinary smartphones to communicate with satellites without relying entirely on conventional mobile towers.
The FCC is scheduled to vote on October 29 on whether to move forward with a new wireless-spectrum auction and regulatory changes supporting the emerging technology.
The development could eventually change how people connect to mobile networks in rural areas, remote communities and regions where traditional telecommunications infrastructure is difficult or expensive to build.
What is direct-to-device technology?
Direct-to-device technology allows compatible smartphones to communicate directly with satellites orbiting Earth.
Instead of a phone needing to connect to a nearby terrestrial cell tower, the satellite can provide a communications link from space.
The concept is particularly important for places where traditional mobile infrastructure is limited.
Mountains, deserts, islands, oceans and sparsely populated rural communities can be expensive to cover with conventional towers.
Satellite connectivity could help fill those gaps.
SpaceX and Amazon are entering the market
Companies including SpaceX and Amazon are developing satellite networks designed to support direct-to-device services.
SpaceX’s Starlink network is already one of the largest satellite constellations in operation, while Amazon’s Leo satellite project is developing its own broadband network.
The FCC says its proposed regulatory changes are intended to help these technologies provide coverage directly to smartphones and other devices.
SpaceX has also received approval to deploy thousands of additional second-generation Starlink satellites.
Why spectrum matters
Wireless spectrum is the invisible resource that allows devices to communicate.
Governments around the world carefully regulate spectrum because different frequencies are required for mobile phones, television, satellite communications, aviation, military systems and other technologies.
The FCC proposal includes an auction involving 25 megahertz of spectrum, while another 482 megahertz could be made available for satellite coverage under the broader framework.
The move could create new opportunities for satellite operators and telecommunications companies to work together.
Telecom companies are preparing
Traditional mobile operators are not ignoring the development.
AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon have formed a joint venture aimed at expanding satellite-enabled mobile coverage.
That suggests the future may not necessarily be a competition between mobile towers and satellites.
Instead, consumers could eventually use a combination of both systems without having to think about which network is providing the connection.
A smartphone could automatically use a terrestrial network when available and switch to a satellite connection when conventional coverage disappears.
What it could mean for Africa
The technology could be particularly significant for Africa.
Many African countries have rapidly expanding mobile networks, but large geographical areas remain difficult or expensive to cover.
Direct-to-device satellite technology could potentially provide an additional layer of connectivity for remote communities, emergency services, transportation and disaster response.
However, affordability, device compatibility, regulation and satellite capacity will determine how accessible the technology becomes.
The road ahead
The FCC’s October 29 vote is only one step in the development of the technology.
Satellite operators will still need to expand their networks, mobile companies will need compatible systems and regulators will need to resolve technical issues surrounding spectrum sharing.
Nevertheless, the direction is clear.
The mobile phone of the future may not always need a cell tower nearby.
