Could Starlink Mobile and satellite D2D disrupt the MNO business?

19 August 2026 | Research | Satellite D2D

In its first earnings call on 4 August 2026 following its IPO, SpaceX announced that it “definitely intends” to build a US mobile network, leveraging Starlink Mobile’s constellation and a web of femtocells.  

In this podcast, our experts explore the results from the early deployment of direct-to-device (D2D) services, the future evolution of costs and capabilities for satellite D2D services, and the competitive threats and opportunities D2D services pose to the mobile network operator (MNO) business. 

Hear from:

Christopher Baugh

Partner, expert in space and satellite, Research lead

Dongye Liu

Analyst

Lluc Palerm

Research Director, expert in satellite communications