200+ delegates gathered at the Hotel nHow Brussels Bloom on 1 July to debate the key factors that will shape the future of Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity.

 

The event featured five interactive panels, plus keynote insights from high-level representatives of the European Commission, ITU, and the European Space Agency. Discussions focused on the evolving regulatory landscape, key technological developments, innovative business models, and the pressing challenges that must be addressed to unlock the full potential of D2D connectivity.

 

Keynote Presentations

 

Opening the forum, keynote presentations from Kamila Kloc (European Commission), Nick Sinanis (ITU) and Xavier Lobao (European Space Agency) highlighted the critical role of D2D in closing coverage gaps and boosting resilience. They emphasised regulatory coordination, technical harmonisation, and public-private collaboration, with Europe aiming to lead through the Digital Networks Act and WRC-27 preparations.

 

Session 1: D2D Deployment – Spectrum Strategies, Business Models and Ecosystem Dynamics

 

Session 1 explored commercial and technical pathways for scaling D2D. Panellists discussed the pros and cons of the different approaches of leveraging mobile (IMT) and satellite (MSS) spectrum to deliver D2D connectivity and how the traditional roles of satellite and MNOs are evolving and, in some cases, converging. It was highlighted that there is a strong need for business model alignment and for EU-level coordination to prevent fragmentation and enable cross-border services.

“We see D2D IMT as an innovative application and we would like to say that we have it here to fill connectivity gaps in Europe, even if they're only small, but they create maybe some better connectivity and coverage for all of us. And of course we see that the complementary use is favourable.”

Alex Kuehn, Head of Section, International & National Spectrum Management, BNetzA

 

Session 2: Developing a regulatory framework to drive forward D2D in Europe

 

Focusing on policy, this session examined how to enable D2D within EU and national frameworks. Speakers backed a harmonised, light-touch authorisation model that supports innovation while safeguarding security and sovereignty. The Digital Networks Act and RSPG opinion were identified as key tools to advance progress.

“We are giving out recommendations firstly on four different flavours of D2D without going into detail, of course. One of the most important parts is on D2D IMT, where we see it as a complementary coverage issue.” 

Jonas Wessel, Co-Chair, Strategic Spectrum Matters Working Group, RSPG

 

Session 3: Building the Global D2D Ecosystem - International Collaboration and Emerging Policy Frameworks

 

The panel discussed international collaboration for D2D. Speakers from Europe, Africa, and Latin America emphasised the need for harmonised regulation, 3GPP alignment, and regional leadership. WRC-27 was highlighted as pivotal as it represents a critical juncture for establishing the international regulatory foundation that will either enable or constrain the global rollout of D2D services over the next decade. Flexible, inclusive frameworks were seen as key to enabling cross-border D2D deployment and equitable global access.

“We built our development based on the success stories in the world. For us, the D2D question is not if it is necessary. The question for us now in the continent is what kind of regulatory tools we need to put in place to be able to take full advantage of it and for it to unlock our development potential.”

H.E. Dr. Tidiane Ouattara, President, African Space Agency

 

Session 4: Scaling D2D: Achieving cost effectiveness through innovation and standards

 

Session 4 brought the focus back to Europe, discussing the importance of developing our own ‘European’ approach to D2D and then focusing on how 3GPP standards, chipset integration, and modular architectures can scale D2D services. Emphasis was placed on public safety, automotive, and IoT use cases. Success depends on standardisation, spectrum flexibility, and hybrid satellite-terrestrial orchestration, with strong support needed for SMEs and cross-industry collaboration.

“There already exist D2D systems in orbit. I was talking to some SpaceX colleagues, and these guys have over 600 satellites in orbit. D2D satellites. They completed the first shell. They are offering the service. We see Apple and GlobalStar also starting offers. So we're not talking about a theoretical type of system - we're talking about already existing systems.”

Fabrice Joly, Leader of the D2D Initiative, ESA

 

Session 5: The Path to Monetisation - Can D2D live up to the hype?

 

Finally, to round off the conference, Session 5 addressed D2D monetisation challenges and models. While enterprise use cases offer early promise, consumer pricing remains unclear. Legal uncertainty, spectrum access, and device interoperability were key barriers. Panellists agreed that scalable business models require regulatory clarity, cross-sector partnerships, and public-private support in underserved markets.

“Our task as regulators is to strike a balance between enabling innovation while protecting incumbent services and neighbouring countries services […] promoting investment while ensuring fairness in the atmospheric spectrum and aligning with broader digital and societal goals." 

Julia Criado, Vice-Chair, RSPG & Head, Radioelectric Spectrum Planning and Management Unit, Ministry for Digital Transformation and Civil Service, Spain

 

Missed the Event? Check out what some of our speakers and delegates had to say about the discussions!

 

 

Thank You to Our Partners

 

A special thank you to all our event partners for their invaluable support and collaboration in making this conference a success, and to all our speakers and attendees for their contributions.

 

What’s next? 

 

Did you miss the EU D2D Policy Forum or are you looking for more opportunities to discuss D2D with relevant high-level stakeholders? You might be interested in the Americas D2D Policy Forum coming to Washington D.C. on 8 December 2025. Register for the US edition of the D2D Policy Forum here.

This event is also held back-to-back with the Americas Space Forum on 9 December. Register to attend here.