UK regulator Ofcom finalised rules to allow mobile operators and satellite companies to combine to offer direct-to-device (D2D) communications services to smartphone users.

After a series of consultations, it published decisions on a handful of technical points today (9 December) and finalised detail on updating operator licences. These are in addition to conditions it outlined in September.

Ofcom’s decisions published today include rules intended to avoid interference with air traffic control systems and mobile networks outside of the UK.  

To launch the services, operators are required to get a change to their current licences. Regulations cover the provision of calls, messages and data services using infrastructure in space.

The regulator branded D2D “new space-age services”, stating they would help eliminate mobile blackspots.

It noted the only country in Europe to have the service widely available is Ukraine, with Ofcom group director for spectrum David Willis stating “mobile operators are already pressing ahead to the make UK the first nation in Western Europe to have widespread access to this technology”.

Although the regulator was keen to emphasise the UK would be the first in the region to have widespread access, latest information from VirginMedia O2 points to a launch in H1 2026 while rival VodafoneThree is yet to give a solid timeline on commercial availability.

Meanwhile, last month Orange outlined plans to launch for some customers in France on 11 December.