Orange delays satellite-to-phone trials as coverage falls short
Orange has postponed testing its satellite direct-to-device service because satellite coverage remains limited. The company intends to begin trials next year using AST SpaceMobile and Satellite Connect Europe, its joint venture with Vodafone.
Orange has postponed trials of a service designed to connect phones directly to satellites, citing limited satellite coverage. The operator now intends to begin testing next year. It plans to use AST SpaceMobile and Satellite Connect Europe, its joint venture with Vodafone. The delay underscores a practical challenge for direct-to-device satellite plans: service depends on sufficient satellite coverage being available before trials can proceed.
If such services eventually launch, they could matter most for people with weak or no mobile coverage, including remote users, and may support emergency communications. The delay could temper near-term expectations for operators and satellite partners, while society may see benefits only once enough satellite capacity supports dependable service.