Ookla: Once ‘Science Fiction,’ Satellite-to-Mobile Phone Technology is Quietly Emerging
Ookla’s latest report reveals 24.5% space satellite growth between July 2025 and March 2026.
WASHINGTON, April 21, 2026 – When it comes to smartphones connecting to satellites orbiting Earth, Ookla said “science fiction” is finally becoming reality.
In a report released Tuesday, Ookla said everyday connectivity to satellites is steadily growing across the world as it works to provide outdoor cellular connectivity in hard-to-reach areas. The report examined the Direct-to-Device (D2D) marketplace, which connects smartphones directly to a satellite in space instead of a cell tower. Ookla said these D2D connections increased approximately 24.5% between July 2025 and March 2026, but did not reveal the total number of D2D connections in existence.
“This development has significant implications for cellular network providers, telecom regulators, cell tower operators and equipment vendors – not to mention mobile users themselves,” said Mike Dano, Ookla’s lead industry analyst and author of the report. “After all, D2D technology ultimately promises to eliminate outdoor cellular dead zones globally.”
