en.Wedoany.com Reported - Telefónica Germany, in collaboration with European satellite operator OQ Technology, has conducted tests in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany, using Telefónica Germany's spectrum to enable two-way direct-to-device communication via satellite for text messages and voice messages.
This partnership aims to enhance the resilience of digital infrastructure and contribute to European digital sovereignty. OQ Technology, a satellite operator headquartered in Luxembourg, is a pioneer in providing 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) connectivity and the first European company to operate a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation dedicated to direct-to-device (D2D) services. This service provides connectivity for unmodified smartphones and IoT devices, targeting enterprises, governments, and consumers.
The tests focused on OQ's LEO satellites, which operate at altitudes of approximately 500 to 600 kilometers. Compared to geostationary satellites, this lower orbit enables more targeted coverage of unserved areas and significantly improves response times (latency), making calls and network usage smoother than traditional satellite phone solutions. OQ Technology has already demonstrated D2D connectivity capabilities using its MSS S-band spectrum and plans to execute another D2D mission and satellite launch in mid-2026. The new mission with Telefónica Germany aims to prove that OQ's satellite payloads, equipped with mature multi-band technology, can also support direct-to-device connectivity using multiple spectrum bands from Telefónica Germany.
Non-Terrestrial Networks are also becoming crucial in the standardization process. The 3GPP standardization body is actively developing NTN solutions, and NTN is expected to play a greater role in future 6G mobile communication standards. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is also focusing on this topic: at the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference in Shanghai, discussions will address how mobile frequencies can be used for satellite applications in the future while maintaining network operators' control over their spectrum bands. Telefónica is supporting relevant preparations at both national and international levels.
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