European Space Agency (ЕКА/ESA) in 2025-2026 years officially launched a large-scale initiative worth 100 millions of euros, aimed at integrating satellite communications directly with mobile networks (convergence of NTN - Non-Terrestrial Networks).
This program is part of the ESA's wider strategy to strengthen European autonomy in the field of communications and digital services.
Key objectives of the initiative:
Direct communication “satellite phone” (Direct-to-Cell): Development of technologies, which will allow ordinary smartphones to connect to satellites in the zones, where there is no coverage of 5G ground towers. This applies as an emergency message, and full data transfer.
5G/6G hybrid networks: Creation of architecture, where the satellite becomes more than just a backup channel, and an integrated part of the mobile network. The user should not feel the difference between a connection to a ground station or a satellite.
3GPP standardization: A significant part of the funds is aimed at that, so that European companies can implement global standards (Release 17 and above), which make satellite communications compatible with mainstream consumer devices.
IoT support (Internet of Things): Convergence will enable millions of sensors (in agriculture, logistics, energy industry) work through a single mobile protocol, regardless of the presence of ground infrastructure.
Competition with the USA: This is Europe's answer to the successes of Starlink companies (SpaceX) та AST SpaceMobile, which are already testing the direct connection of smartphones to satellites.
Economy: ESA is waiting, that these investments stimulate the private sector to develop new types of antennas and software for low-Earth orbit satellites (LEO).
Source: https://spacenews.com