India’s DoT is weighing direct-to-device satellite connectivity for smartphones, with input from Apple and Google who stress the need for hardware readiness and alignment with global standards for any India-specific implementation.

The initiative targets remote, hard-to-reach areas like hilly states, forests, and border districts, potentially enabling emergency calls, location sharing, and messaging when terrestrial networks are unavailable.

Key challenges include battery drain, device hardware limits, certification processes, cross-border satellite coordination, and integration with existing 4G/5G networks.

Consultations remain exploratory and there is no formal regulatory framework in place yet.

Global regulatory momentum could rise after the ITU identifies D2D spectrum bands at WRC-27 in late 2027, following earlier moves that opened parts of the 6 GHz band for mobility.

In the near term, pilots and niche use cases are expected for both D2D and direct-to-mobile (D2M), with D2D primarily limited to emergency services until hardware and regulations mature.

Most stakeholders favor non-terrestrial tech but advise waiting for ecosystem maturation before defining spectrum for D2D services.

Internationally, the US and Canada are testing D2D (Starlink and T-Mobile), but India’s market size and operator-protection focus add unique regulatory complexities.

TRAI has issued a consultation to decide whether D2D should use mobile satellite spectrum or terrestrial 4G/5G bands, as India lacks a defined satellite-to-phone framework.

DoT is considering spectrum bands and policy architecture, with TRAI likely consulted on pricing and operational norms; informal industry consultations are ongoing.

Regulatory bodies are seeking views on dedicated satellite spectrum versus using existing airwaves for D2D, amid cross-border and licensing considerations.

DoT discussions are ongoing, with media reports outlining the technical and regulatory hurdles facing satellite-to-phone connectivity.