TAMPA, Fla. — Luxembourg’s OQ Technology plans to test direct-to-smartphone satellite connectivity next year in Germany using a local telco’s cellular spectrum, setting up a challenge to U.S.-led services in the emerging market.
The operator announced a partnership June 8 with Telefonica Germany to demonstrate two-way messaging and voice capabilities between a small satellite slated to launch in the first half of 2027 and standard, unmodified smartphones.
The trial would follow SpaceX’s early direct-to-device (D2D) progress using cellular spectrum from partners across multiple countries to connect smartphones via around 650 specialized Starlink satellites.
SpaceX recently got permission to trial its Starlink Mobile service in Spain and has partnered with Deutsche Telekom, Telefonica Germany’s domestic rival, to provide next-generation D2D services in 10 European countries from 2028, after launching upgraded satellites.
“Europe must develop its own sovereign and interoperable space-based mobile infrastructure,” OQ Technology founder and CEO Omar Qaise said.
