E1 – Direct-to-Device policy: Shaping the future of seamless connectivity

Episode 1

Direct-to-Device policy: Shaping the future of seamless connectivity

24 February 2026
15:30 – 16:30 CET – Online participation

The future of connectivity lies in ensuring that everyone, everywhere, can access reliable communication services directly on their devices. As the demand for seamless, global connectivity grows, the development of effective policies for Direct-to-Device (D2D) communication is more crucial than ever.

Join the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for an engaging session that explores the evolving landscape of D2D policies and their role in shaping the future of connectivity.

What to expect?

This session will dive into key topics such as:

The role of satellite-enabled Direct-to-Device technologies in bridging the digital divide.

Policy frameworks to enable global seamless connectivity.

Spectrum management and its implications for D2D services.

Collaboration between governments, satellite operators, and mobile providers to create a cohesive D2D ecosystem.

Challenges and opportunities in aligning regulations with technological advancements.

Save the date: 24 February, 15:30 – 16:30 CET

Don’t miss this thought-provoking discussion with some of the leading voices in satellite connectivity and policy innovation. Together, let’s explore the future of seamless, Direct-to-Device communication.

Agenda – Episode 1

15:30 – 15:35

Introduction

Presentation of the session and the panelists by the Moderator

Patricia Cooper

ITU

<div class="ituContainer"> Patricia Cooper is a leading expert on satellite communications, regulation and space policy, and is the founder of the space consultancy, Constellation Advisory, LLC, where she advises smart space and satellite ventures and international projects. </div> <div class="ituContainer"> For six years, Cooper led Government Affairs for the Starlink satellite broadband constellation project at Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX), where she secured Federal Communications Commission authorization for a record 12,000 satellites, and market access in more than 30 countries. She advocated for updates to spectrum, telecom competition and space safety regulations in the US and around the globe to support the coming generation of satellite networks. Today, Starlink serves over 2 million users worldwide with a constellation of over 6,000 satellites in over 70 countries. </div> <div class="ituContainer"> Prior to SpaceX, Patricia was an executive at geostationary satellite fleet operator Intelsat and as for nearly 7 years, President of the Satellite Industry Association (SIA), the leading trade organization representing U.S. satellite operators, manufacturers and service providers. At SIA, Patricia advocated in regulatory and national security arenas, for fair trade and competition rules internationally, and spearheaded a successful bipartisan, bi-cameral legislative initiative to reform satellite export control legislation. Previously, Patricia had served in both the U.S. Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Commerce, and led international outreach at two start-ups, CoreExpress, an Internet fiber infrastructure play and PanAmSat Corporation, a disruptor in the early satellite services market. </div> <div class="ituContainer"> Patricia holds a Master’s Degree with Distinction in International Economics from the John Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and a Bachelor’s Degrees in Political Science and German from Kansas State University (summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa). </div>

15:35 – 16:15

Interactive panel discussion

16:15 – 16:30

Audience Q&A session

16:30

Wrap-Up and session close

Speakers

Patricia Cooper

Episode Moderator

ITU

Barbee Ponder

Panelist

General Counsel

Vice President of Regulatory Affairs

Globalstar, Inc.

Jennifer A. Manner

Panelist

Senior Vice President

Regulatory Affairs and International Strategy

AST SpaceMobile

Jennifer is a recognized visionary and strategic leader in domestic and international telecommunications, spectrum, and space policy and regulation. She currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and International Strategy at AST & Science, LLC, where she oversees the company’s domestic and international regulatory and policy initiatives. With extensive experience in the industry, Jennifer has held senior roles at prominent technology firms including EchoStar, Skyterra (now Ligado), and MCI WorldCom (now Verizon). Her government service includes key positions such as Senior Advisor for Space and Satellite Policy at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and senior roles at the Federal Communications Commission—including Deputy Chief of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, Deputy Chief of the Office of Engineering and Technology, and Senior Counsel to Commissioner Abernathy. Jennifer holds leadership positions in trade associations as well as in international organizations such as CITEL and the International Telecommunications Union. Jennifer’s expertise spans domestic and international telecommunications, market access, and spectrum policy. She has a track record of resolving complex regulatory and policy challenges and has been instrumental in fostering regulatory frameworks to enable the adoption of next-generation wireless terrestrial and space-based technologies, including non-geostationary satellite systems and non-terrestrial networks. In addition to her industry and government leadership, Jennifer actively participates in trade associations, international organizations, and government advisory bodies. She is a prolific author of books and articles on telecommunications, including her recent book Spectrum Wars: The New Hope for Connectivity (Artech House 2025). She is also a filmmaker; her latest documentary, When Wire Was King: The Transformation of Telecommunications, is available on PBS and multiple streaming platforms. ‎ ‎