Focus: Telecom

Viasat is launching direct-to-device satellite service with Skylo and Ligado’s SkyTerra satellite network. Thursday marked an official announcement from Viasat after a non-binding MoU in March.  Skylo has a tech...

Amazon’s Project Kuiper takes a step forward after successful tests bring the constellation closer to a commercial reality. Amazon announced Thursday that Project Kuiper has validated all systems and subsystems...

Qualcomm is ending its direct-to-device relationship with Iridium because smartphone manufacturers are not adopting the satellite-compatible chips. Analysts say the price and the lack of technology standards were contributing factors. ...

Avanti Communications is revamping its strategy to become more of a multi-orbit operator for the first time. The company is in talks with a leading Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) operator to...

Lynk has initiated satellite-to-cell phone services in the Solomon Islands with its regional mobile operator partner Solomon Islands Limited (Bmobile), which is using Lynk’s “cell-towers-in-space” to connect its customers with...

Telus, TerreStar Solutions and Skylo have conducted a successful trial to bring direct satellite connectivity to customers in Canada. The three companies announced details of the trial in Canada on...

A Colorado hiker in distress was recently rescued, in part due to satellite technology and the partnership of Skylo, Motorola, and Bullitt Group.  A group of friends were recently hiking...

SpaceX is targeting direct-to-cell service that enables text messaging with the Starlink constellation in 2024, and voice and data and IoT service by 2025. SpaceX updated Starlink’s website with a...

AST SpaceMobile claims it achieved a 5G connection for voice and data between an unmodified smartphone and its BlueWalker 3 satellite in space.  The company announced Tuesday that its engineers...

PARIS — Direct-to-device, satellite-to-cell, NTN/non-terrestrial networks — the satellite industry hasn’t come to a consensus on what to call this type of connectivity, but players are making bold projections for its...