Tim Farrar

Satellite Direct-to-Device (D2D), also called Direct-to-Cell (DTC), is an emerging complement to terrestrial wireless networks, extending basic connectivity to areas where tower construction is not practical. While promising, D2D is not a replacement for traditional cellular infrastructure—it serves as a fallback option for remote and emergency use. This white paper provides in-depth analysis of (1) the state of satellite connectivity; (2) technical and performance limits; and (3) satellite’s role in the wireless ecosystem.

Starlink faces many challenges in order to provide a robust commercial service, and ultimately to become financially sustainable so that potential customers can rely on it in the longer term. Some of the technical limitations of the Starlink service mean that it will never be possible to rely solely on Starlink to provide universal service outside the range of terrestrial broadband solutions.