Ookla says D2D connections rose 24.5% from July 2025 to March 2026

TL;DR:

• Ookla said global direct-to-device (D2D) connections increased 24.5% between July 2025 and March 2026.
• Ookla also said only a small share of total mobile subscribers have connected their smartphones to a satellite.
• The data points to rising satellite-to-smartphone use, but from a low base.

Ookla said global direct-to-device (D2D) connections rose 24.5% from July 2025 to March 2026. Ookla also said only a small percentage of overall mobile users have connected their smartphones to a satellite.

The figures cited by Light Reading describe growth in D2D usage over the eight-month period, but the source excerpt does not provide a total number of connections or the exact share of mobile subscribers that have used satellite links. D2D refers to satellite connectivity that links directly to consumer smartphones rather than through a separate satellite terminal.

The update adds to broader tracking of non-terrestrial mobile connectivity as operators, satellite companies, and device makers test or expand direct smartphone links. In the eSIM market, D2D matters because satellite-capable mobile services can intersect with device provisioning, operator support, and standards-based remote SIM provisioning (RSP), although the source does not name specific operators, countries, devices, or eSIM standards in this report.

Related Questions

How fast are D2D satellite connections growing?

Ookla said D2D connections grew 24.5% globally between July 2025 and March 2026.

Have many mobile subscribers used satellite-to-phone service?

No. Ookla said only a small percentage of overall mobile subscribers have connected their smartphones to a satellite.