en.Wedoany.com Reported - Russia's State Commission on Radio Frequencies has allocated frequency bands for direct-to-satellite mobile phone communications to "Bureau 1440" and "Satellite Group," supporting the two companies in conducting Direct-to-Device technology tests. This technology allows smartphones, tablets, and IoT terminals to directly connect to low-orbit satellite communication networks in areas with insufficient ground base station coverage.
The key focus of this frequency allocation is that Russia is complementing its domestic low-orbit satellite communication system with mobile terminal direct-connect capabilities. Traditional satellite internet typically requires dedicated terminals, external antennas, or fixed receiving equipment, resulting in high deployment costs and usage barriers; direct-to-satellite mobile phones aim to provide basic connectivity for ordinary terminals in scenarios such as areas without ground network coverage, disaster interruptions, remote operations, and emergency communications. For a country like Russia, with vast territories and sparse populations in the north and far east, D2D technology can serve as an important supplement to terrestrial cellular networks, enhancing communication accessibility and network resilience in remote areas.
The relevant frequencies will be used to build the satellite segment of a hybrid communication system. According to the frequency arrangement, "Bureau 1440" can conduct tests using frequency bands such as 2483.5–2500 MHz and 1610–1626.5 MHz, while "Satellite Group" has obtained multiple sets of frequency resources for satellite communications. At this stage, these frequency bands are primarily intended for testing and design development, with commercial use temporarily prohibited, and the usage period extends until March 31, 2029.
Regulatory requirements also reflect the complexity of this type of service. Direct-to-satellite mobile phones involve multiple systems such as low-orbit constellations, terrestrial mobile communications, fixed networks, secure communications, and spectrum coordination. Improper frequency planning could cause interference with existing military-civilian communications, navigation, and security systems. Russia's State Commission on Radio Frequencies requires relevant companies to prioritize the use of domestic equipment, ensure electromagnetic compatibility between the two satellite networks and with other radio systems, and submit regular progress reports. This means that as Russia advances D2D technology, it is not only focusing on technical feasibility but also simultaneously strengthening spectrum security, equipment autonomy, and network controllability.
Both "Bureau 1440" and "Satellite Group" are building domestic low-orbit satellite capabilities. "Bureau 1440" plans to create a low-orbit satellite broadband access service, aiming to launch commercial operations by 2027 and achieve broader coverage through hundreds of satellites; "Satellite Group" has long been involved in the development of small satellites, spacecraft platforms, and related satellite communication technologies. With the frequency bands now obtained, both companies will have the conditions to conduct integrated verification tests closer to real-world scenarios among constellations, ground networks, and mobile terminals. If testing proceeds smoothly, Russia could deploy domestic D2D services in scenarios such as remote area communications, transportation, energy mining areas, maritime communications, emergency rescue, and IoT monitoring in the future.
For the information and communication industry chain, direct-to-satellite mobile phones will drive demand for low-orbit satellites, satellite communication payloads, ground gateways, spectrum management, terminal RF chips, IoT modules, satellite core networks, and operational support systems. Subsequent milestones will focus on the testing progress of the two companies, constellation launch cadence, the range of compatible mobile terminals, coordination methods with mobile operator networks, and whether commercialization readiness is achieved by 2029. If Russia completes a closed-loop domestic D2D technology, it will create a new regional benchmark in the global direct-to-satellite mobile phone competition and further drive the extension of satellite internet from the dedicated terminal market to the mass mobile communications market.
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