European satellite operator OQ Technology and Telefónica Germany say they are preparing to conduct what they describe as the first live demonstration by a European satellite company of two-way direct-to-device (D2D) satellite communications using terrestrial mobile spectrum and standard consumer smartphones.
The trial, planned for Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in northern Germany, will test direct communications between low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and unmodified smartphones, including devices from Apple, Samsung, and Google. The companies will evaluate messaging and voice services delivered through a hybrid network architecture that combines terrestrial mobile infrastructure with satellite connectivity.
The initiative reflects growing momentum behind non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), which are increasingly being viewed as a way to extend mobile and IoT coverage beyond the reach of conventional cellular infrastructure. Industry players see hybrid terrestrial-satellite networks as a means of improving connectivity in remote, underserved, or infrastructure-constrained regions while maintaining compatibility with existing devices and operator networks.
Under the collaboration, OQ Technology will use its next-generation satellites and proprietary multi-band D2D payload technology alongside licensed spectrum provided by Telefónica Germany. The companies said the demonstration will assess network performance, spectrum coexistence, and the integration of satellite and terrestrial infrastructure.
The project also highlights Europe’s ambition to establish greater technological sovereignty in space-based communications. While direct-to-device satellite services have attracted significant investment globally, much of the activity to date has been led by US-based companies and operators.
“Europe must develop its own sovereign and interoperable space-based mobile infrastructure,” said Omar Qaise, Founder and Chief Executive of OQ Technology. He said the collaboration demonstrates how European satellite operators and mobile network providers can build standards-based connectivity services using existing smartphones and licensed spectrum.
Jörg Kablitz, Chief Partner & Wholesale Officer at Telefónica Germany, said the trial represents an opportunity to strengthen Europe’s digital infrastructure through satellite-enabled mobile communications.
“The satellite-based service is intended to supplement existing mobile networks in areas where expanding infrastructure on the ground would be extremely costly or impossible,” he said.
For the IoT sector, the development points to the increasing convergence of terrestrial and satellite communications. Enterprises operating connected assets in sectors such as logistics, energy, agriculture, maritime, and environmental monitoring continue to face coverage gaps that can limit the effectiveness of IoT deployments.
As 3GPP standards evolve to support NTN capabilities and the industry looks ahead to future 6G architectures, satellite connectivity is expected to become more deeply integrated into mainstream mobile networks rather than operating as a standalone service.
OQ Technology, which operates a dedicated LEO constellation for IoT and D2D communications, said its roadmap includes support for MSS S-band, C-band, and IMT spectrum. The company argues that multi-band capabilities will provide operators with greater flexibility when deploying future NTN services and integrating satellite coverage into existing mobile networks.
The trial with Telefónica Germany is expected to provide an early indication of how operator-led satellite services could be commercialised in Europe, where policymakers and industry leaders are increasingly focused on strengthening digital resilience and reducing dependence on non-European communications infrastructure.
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