Direct-to-cell satellite usage falls below industry forecasts
TL;DR. Direct-to-cell satellite technology is seeing slower adoption than industry projections despite telco partnerships, Juniper Research reports. - Juniper forecasts 133 million monthly active direct-to-cell users by 2031, but adoption remains niche. - Outdoor use cases like travel drive current direct-to-cell demand, with indoor coverage still problematic. - T-Mobile and SpaceX's Starlink pioneered direct-to-cell, while European operators also launch services.
- Juniper Research predicts 133 million monthly active direct-to-cell users by 2031, yet warns of unmet expectations.
- Current demand for direct-to-cell is concentrated in specific travel and remote areas, not everyday usage.
- Direct-to-cell technology offers satellite connectivity to unmodified smartphones beyond terrestrial cell tower range.
- T-Mobile and SpaceX's Starlink are key players, with European operators like Virgin Media O2 and VodafoneThree also deploying services.