Operators can approach satellite direct-to-device services in two main ways

Telecoms operators in high-income countries are launching initial commercial satellite direct-to-device (D2D) services. T-Mobile USA is perhaps the most prominent example with its T-Satellite offering, but China Telecom, One NZ and Verizon now also have a commercial D2D service. More will follow. These case studies prove that satellite D2D services work (with some caveats), but the level of demand remains unclear, as does the best business model to adopt.

Operators have so far chosen one of two distinct approaches to D2D services; they have either bundled them with selected plans for no extra fee, or have offered them as a paid-for standalone solution. Both approaches have benefits and risks that other operators planning to launch a similar service should consider, not least because the approach needs to fit with their broader strategy.