GSMA Urges Regulators to Prepare for Rise of D2D LEO Services
The GSMA has called on governments to modernise regulatory frameworks as direct-to-user services delivered via low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations begin to scale.
In a new position paper, Regulatory Preparedness for Satellite Services, the industry body argues that satellite-to-device and hybrid satellite–mobile offerings require updated, proportionate rules that reflect the growing convergence between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.
The paper comes amid a surge in partnerships between mobile network operators and satellite providers, particularly around direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity. As these services expand from trials into commercial deployments, the GSMA says regulatory alignment will be critical to ensure consistent consumer protection, support investment and maintain national sovereignty.
Central to the recommendations is the principle of regulatory parity: satellite operators delivering services comparable to mobile networks should face equivalent obligations. The GSMA also calls for greater harmonisation across borders to reduce fragmentation, along with clearer, more predictable licensing processes to encourage long-term infrastructure investment.
As LEO constellations move into mainstream mobile connectivity extending coverage, improving resilience and enabling new D2D services regulatory frameworks must evolve in parallel. Without coordinated and balanced oversight, the benefits of satellite-enabled mobile convergence risk being slowed by policy uncertainty.