At an event held in Brasília, Viasat showcased direct-to-device (D2D) technology, including direct communication between mobile phones via satellite and Internet-of-Things (IoT) data transmission in the agricultural and transportation sectors.

Working alongside AT&T, AST SpaceMobile has been granted permission by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to begin testing direct-to-cellular connectivity on public safety’s Band 14 spectrum, via their BlueBird satellites orbiting Earth. This sets the stage for select public safety agencies on FirstNet to trial satellite communications later this year.

Verizon and AST SpaceMobile achieved a major milestone in mobile connectivity with the successful trial of a live video call between two devices—one linked via satellite and the other through Verizon’s terrestrial network. 

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced a groundbreaking policy framework aimed at expanding wireless services across Canada through satellite technology. 

By Ari Banerjee, Senior Vice President, Strategy, Netcracker Technology 

Long-time satellite TV opponents are set to merge. DirecTV has announced a deal with Dish Network (Dish) parent company, EchoStar, to acquire Dish, consequently creating the U.S.’ largest pay-TV provider with around 18 million subscribers.

Sceye, a leading US aerospace company specializing in High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS), announced the successful closing of its Series C funding round, led by Mawarid Holding Company, a prominent Saudi corporation with an established presence in ICT, satellite, and digital solutions.

Netcracker Technology has announced the launch of its Digital Satellite Solution, a blueprint for multi-orbit IT that radically transforms how satellite operators manage, optimize and monetize their business.