As technology continues to evolve worldwide, India’s efforts to develop satellite-based mobile connectivity are still in the consultation stage, with global tech giants Apple and Google highlighting both the potential and the practical challenges of enabling direct smartphone-to-satellite communication.
According to an Economic Times report, both companies have raised concerns during recent informal discussions with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) over direct-to-device (D2D) satellite communication technology. While non-binding, the talks provide an early indication of how major smartphone players are assessing India’s satellite connectivity ambitions.
Officials noted that the consultations are currently focused on understanding the technology ecosystem and its implications before moving toward a formal regulatory framework.
Concerns Raised by Apple
Apple has reportedly cautioned India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) against requiring major hardware changes or fresh certifications for smartphones to support direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity. The company also emphasized that existing terrestrial mobile networks should be protected as the ecosystem evolves.
Apple further raised concerns about cross-border regulatory coordination, noting potential complications in regions where satellite-based services are not yet authorised. D2D technology enables smartphones to connect directly to satellites without relying on mobile towers, potentially expanding coverage in remote and underserved areas.
Concerns Raised by Google
Google has raised concerns over the technical readiness of direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity for smartphones, pointing to several practical limitations that could slow mass adoption.
According to reports, these include battery drain issues, antenna size constraints in compact devices, weak signal strength, and the complexity of integrating satellite systems with existing 4G and 5G networks. Google also noted that some devices may require hardware-level modifications, making large-scale rollout challenging at this stage.
India is still evaluating the regulatory framework for direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services, with TRAI and the Department of Telecommunications studying spectrum use and technical requirements before formal rollout.
If implemented, D2D technology could enable smartphones to connect directly to satellites in remote or disaster-hit areas without relying on mobile towers. Meanwhile, countries like the US, Canada and Australia are already testing satellite-to-phone services, including collaborations such as SpaceX’s Starlink with T-Mobile, though experts believe large-scale adoption in India is still a few years away.
