ITU Will Establish Direct-to-Device Rules in 2027
The 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference in Shanghai will formalize global regulations for space-based mobile connectivity.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Telecommunications
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The ITU Radiocommunication Bureau plans to formalize a regulatory framework for direct-to-device services during the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference, scheduled for October 18 through November 12, 2027, in Shanghai. This move aims to standardize satellite integration for the 151 mobile operators currently developing or testing such partnerships.
Why it matters
As 300 million people remain outside terrestrial network coverage, national governments are increasingly prioritizing satellite filings to ensure connectivity resilience. Establishing unified regulations is critical for managing the surge in filings for non-geostationary and narrowband satellite constellations.
Approximately 85% of the WRC-27 agenda is dedicated to space, following a fourfold increase in narrowband satellite filings over the last four years. Direct-to-device connectivity currently utilizes bands ranging from 694/698 MHz to 2.7 GHz.
The players
ITU Radiocommunication Bureau
This body is a sector of the International Telecommunication Union responsible for the management of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits.
Mario Maniewicz
He serves as the current director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau and manages global spectrum allocation strategy.
GSMA
This industry organization represents the interests of mobile network operators worldwide and coordinates standards across the telecommunications sector.
SpaceX
This private aerospace manufacturer and space transportation company has received recent FCC authorizations for high-frequency E-band and W-band satellite operations.
The details
The conference will utilize the Radio Regulations treaty to integrate satellite services into mobile bands, balancing the needs of terrestrial networks with new space-based constellations. The GSMA is working alongside satellite associations to refine business models that support this transition.
Timeline
November 9-27, 2026: The ITU Plenipotentiary Conference election occurs in Doha.
December 31, 2026: Mario Maniewicz completes his four-year term as bureau head.
January 1, 2027: A newly elected bureau director officially takes office.
October 18 - November 12, 2027: WRC-27 takes place in Shanghai.
The Tech Race
The transition to space-integrated mobile networks follows the Radio Regulations treaty as the primary legal mechanism for global frequency coordination. This development represents a shift from terrestrial-only infrastructure to hybrid systems that leverage expanding non-geostationary constellations.
The standardization of direct-to-device connectivity will eventually allow users to maintain mobile signals in remote areas where terrestrial towers cannot reach. This integration will likely result in more consistent coverage and potential expansion of mobile reach for users globally.
The takeaway
The move toward a unified regulatory framework signals that satellite connectivity is becoming a permanent extension of standard mobile service rather than a niche backup. Consumers should expect future device hardware to increasingly support seamless transitions between terrestrial and satellite networks.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Telecommunications.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Satnews.
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