Nov 1, 2026 · 25 min
Open standards aim to connect satellites and terrestrial networks
Building interoperable satellite connectivity. [T-Minus: Space-Cyber Briefing]
Interoperability could expand direct-to-device coverage while giving governments, emergency services, and commercial users more resilient network choices.
- 1MSSA Reference Architecture 2.0 aligns satellite and terrestrial connectivity around common implementation choices.
- 2Direct-to-device services could connect existing mobile devices beyond terrestrial coverage without requiring entirely separate ecosystems.
- 3Open, multi-network architectures could support more resilient communications across 5G, future 6G, and satellite systems.
Don't miss
Yasrine Ibn Yahya explains how open, non-vendor-locked architectures could let devices and services operate across multiple satellite and terrestrial networks.
The brief
Yasrine Ibn Yahya of Viasat and the Mobile Satellite Services Association outlines Reference Architecture 2.0, a framework for making satellite and terrestrial networks work together.
The central problem is not basic 3GPP compliance but agreeing on compatible implementation choices across satellite operators, mobile networks, chipmakers, and other participants.
Direct-to-device connectivity brings satellite coverage to existing mobile devices, extending service beyond terrestrial reach without requiring a separate device ecosystem.
Interoperability becomes more demanding when devices switch among satellite systems and terrestrial networks, but it could improve resilience and reduce dependence on one vendor.
The conversation closes on open architectures spanning 5G, future 6G, and satellite systems, with possible applications in drones, autonomous vehicles, and flying taxis.
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