The Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA) is focused on promoting the direct-to-device ecosystem. Photo: MSSA

The Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA) and the European Space Agency (ESA) agreed to work together on 5G and 6G open architecture, standards-based satellite non-terrestrial networks (NTNs). The collaboration aims to integrate satellite and terrestrial networks for direct-to-device (D2D) services, MSSA announced March 5.

MSSA said the companies are focused on expanding European technology involvement in space and ground infrastructure, operations, and end-user applications for satellite-augmented 5G and 6G networks. MSSA is working with spectrum holders, operators, and technology companies to create an open satellite network approach. This system will allow roaming between terrestrial and satellite mobile networks using current and future standards and devices.

MSSA was founded in 2024 by Viasat, Terrestar Solutions, Ligado Networks, Omnispace, and Yahsat to promote the direct-to-device ecosystem.

ESA’s goal with this agreement is to promote European technology and show European countries that satellite NTNs can support devices globally while operating within each country’s telecom and cloud computing regulations.

“MSSA and ESA are joining forces to safely and securely integrate satellite and terrestrial communication networks for the benefit of consumers,” said Mark Dankberg, Viasat CEO and chairman of MSSA. “Our combined efforts will further benefit the development and deployment of standards-based D2D services to support Europe. ESA’s participation underscores the momentum for supporting business models leveraging licensed MSS satellite spectrum and open interoperable architectures based on 3GPP standards.”

Viasat recently signed its own agreement with ESA to collaborate on D2D, which Viasat said could lead to an open architecture Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) network for 5G NTN services. 

In October 2024, MSSA signed a similar agreement with GSMA to integrate D2D and Internet of Things (IoT) services via mobile satellite services satellites, in line with 3GPP standards.