​Who will win the direct-to-cell war? Know Starlink’s key competitors

It's the next big thing: direct satellite connectivity through your phone.

No more dead spots. In other words: global mobile coverage using standard smartphones directly linked to satellites, eliminating the need for specialised hardware. 

Pie in the sky? Not anymore. The world is getting close to direct-to-cell satellite communications.

It's not just Starlink (Space X) keen on this endeavour. It's a multi-billion-dollar race heating up in space. Companies like AST SpaceMobile, Kuiper, OneWeb and Globalstar are pushing direct-to-cell satellite services.

In this rising tech race, each player’s cooking up their own mix — think emergency help to cool phone perks (Direct to Cell: Know compatible smartphones).

Who will win this race? Read till the end.

These are some of the notable contenders in this space:

AST SpaceMobile is developing a satellite network designed to deliver broadband connectivity directly to unmodified 4G and 5G smartphones. 

In collaboration with Vodafone, the company achieved a milestone by conducting a satellite video call from a remote area in Wales using a standard smartphone. This demonstration underscores the potential of their technology to provide mobile broadband services in regions lacking conventional coverage.

Moreover, AST SpaceMobile has partnered with major US carriers, including AT&T and Verizon, to extend its satellite-to-smartphone services across the US. 

Lynk Global is working on a “cell tower in space” service, aiming to provide global mobile phone service coverage directly from satellites to standard mobile phones. 

The company has successfully tested satellite-to-phone connectivity, including sending text messages and making voice calls without the need for specialised devices. 

Lynk's approach involves deploying a constellation of small satellites that function similarly to terrestrial cell towers, enabling connectivity in areas where traditional infrastructure is absent.

Amazon's Project Kuiper is an ambitious initiative to deploy a LEO satellite constellation aimed at providing broadband internet access globally. 

While primarily focused on delivering internet services, Project Kuiper's infrastructure could support direct-to-cell capabilities in the future.

Amazon's extensive resources and experience in cloud computing and logistics position Project Kuiper as a significant player in the satellite connectivity arena, potentially offering competitive services alongside existing providers.​

OneWeb

OneWeb is developing a global satellite network to provide broadband internet services, with a focus on connecting remote and underserved regions. 

The company is exploring partnerships to integrate its satellite capabilities with mobile network operators, aiming to enhance connectivity options for users worldwide.

Britain has joined forces with India’s Bharti Global to buy satellite operator OneWeb, with the two sides pledging $1 billion between them to develop a constellation that could boost broadband and other services.

Globalstar

​As of April 2025, Globalstar is actively expanding its direct-to-cell (D2C) satellite services.

Globalstar's D2C offerings are currently integrated into Apple's ecosystem, providing features such as Emergency SOS, roadside assistance, and the "Find My" app for iPhone 14 and 15 users. These services utilise Globalstar's satellite network to facilitate communication in areas lacking traditional cellular coverage. Initially limited to emergency use, these features have been expanded with iOS 18 to support broader messaging capabilities in supported regions.  

Globalstar has also secured a $1.7 billion investment from Apple to bolster its satellite infrastructure. This funding is allocated for the development and launch of 17 new satellites. Apple has also acquired a 20% stake in Globalstar, securing 85% of the network's capacity for its services.

Takeaways