Bahrain Becomes First GCC State to Authorise Satellite Direct-to-Device Services
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of Bahrain has formally announced the launch of Satellite Direct-to-Device (D2D) services in the Kingdom, making it the first country in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to authorise standard smartphones to connect directly to satellites beyond terrestrial coverage.
The decision positions Bahrain at the forefront of regulatory readiness for 3GPP-aligned satellite-to-mobile services, including coverage in remote and maritime areas. The framework enables everyday mobile phones without specialised hardware to access basic connectivity where ground networks are unavailable, strengthening national resilience and safety.
The move follows the completion of a public consultation and aligns with the TRA’s wider strategy to future-proof Bahrain’s telecoms ecosystem and attract next-generation connectivity innovation. While specific operator partnerships and service timelines were have not yet been detailed, the regulatory green light creates a clear pathway for satellite and mobile network operators to deploy D2D services commercially.