MSSA releases inaugural White Paper on Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite services

The Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA) has released its white paper, Spectrum Management Considerations for D2D Services, providing a resource for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) seeking to expand coverage to effectively address underserved and unserved areas, particularly where terrestrial infrastructure deployment is economically unviable. The white paper highlights the advantages of Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) spectrum and how it can be used to efficiently deliver Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite services and address coverage gaps for MNOs.

A Cost-Effective and Scalable Coverage Solution

Market momentum is building with global consumer D2D revenues projected to reach $36 billion by 2033. Against this backdrop, the MSSA white paper offers timely insights and guidance on how to advance resilient, interoperable D2D services that align with international regulatory and technical standards.

D2D satellite services provide MNOs with a practical and scalable way to expand their networks into coverage gaps, dead zones, and remote regions that lie beyond the reach of traditional cellular infrastructure. These underserved areas, especially those at the fringe of terrestrial coverage between semi-urban and rural zones, represent a significant business opportunity to drive traffic growth and improve Average Revenue Per User (ARPU). By enabling seamless service in these regions, MNOs can enhance customer experience, retention, and service quality.

“This paper lays the groundwork for how MNOs can harness direct-to-device satellite services to meet coverage obligations, unlock new service areas, and realize the promise of space-based communications without disrupting existing terrestrial networks,” said Serge Legris, co-author of the white paper and Chief Technology Officer at MSSA member Terrestar. “It’s not only about expanding coverage, but doing so in a way that’s technically and economically sustainable, and aligns with regulatory and technological realities.”

White Paper Highlights

The paper delivers a strategic and technical roadmap of how D2D services can be deployed by MNOs using MSS spectrum. Key highlights include:

• An assessment of MSS spectrum advantages for D2D use cases, analyzing how MSS spectrum offers benefits of coverage enhancement without the risk of co-frequency interference with terrestrial networks, preserving the performance and integrity of existing cellular systems.

• Technical and regulatory deployment insights, including how MSS spectrum enables service across 100% of the outdoor area within a satellite’s beam footprint (excluding only the densest urban areas) and largely avoids interference with terrestrial networks due to its dedicated use and international coordination.

• Guidance on spectrum management and coexistence, noting that reuse of MNO terrestrial spectrum is feasible in some remote areas, but it is important to consider the trade-offs, balancing coverage expansion with spectrum efficiency and service quality. MSS spectrum offers a reliable and interference-free foundation for D2D deployments, helping operators avoid operational complexity.

MSSA: Building an Open, Future-Ready Ecosystem

The launch of this white paper reflects MSSA’s commitment to serving the best interests of MNOs and their end customers through advancing an open, standards-based approach that supports interoperability and choice through the seamless integration of satellite and terrestrial mobile networks. MSSA serves as a collaborative platform for MNOs, SNOs, OEMs, and ecosystem partners to drive innovation, and expand the global reach of next-generation mobile services.

To download the full white paper and explore how MSS spectrum can help power the next wave of D2D satellite innovation, click here.