Episode 2

Direct-to-Device: Paving the way for satellite 5G/6G

31st March 2026
16:00 – 17:30 CEST – Online participation

Direct-to-Device: Paving the way for satellite 5G/6G

Join us for an in-depth discussion on the regulatory and policy issues raised by the wave of satellite projects designed to expand the reach of terrestrial mobile communications. This special episode, jointly hosted by the ITU’s Space Connect and GSOA, builds on earlier conversations on Direct-to-Device (D2D) and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) projects to unpack the regulatory and policy conversations needed for the hybrid connectivity future heralded by satellite technology and their potential to transform mobile connectivity for underserved and remote areas worldwide.

D2D and NTN projects are proliferating and deploying now, offering an additional tool to bridge the digital divide in remote and rural areas, and a new capability to bolster critical services such as education, emergency response, and economic development in even the most remote regions.  But blending satellite communications and terrestrial mobile networks presents a myriad of spectrum and competition policy considerations and may require updates or rethinking of regulations and spectrum licensing.  

This joint ITU – GSOA episode, moderated by Patricia Cooper, will tap thought-leaders from the satellite and mobile telecom sectors along with national regulators to discuss the regulatory frameworks and policy updates needed to foster new collaborations in space and terrestrial technology to redefine global connectivity and expanding access to essential services.  

You can discover more about these cutting-edge D2D solutions and their potential impact by watching earlier GSOA and ITU conversations on D2D here:

Mark your calendar: Tuesday, March 31, 2026  from 16:00 to 17:30 CEST, for this insightful exploration of the regulatory rethinking prompted by the innovative D2D satellite projects that are re-shaping the future of mobile connectivity.

Co-organized by


Agenda – Episode 2

16:00 – 16:05
Introduction

Presentation of the session and the panelists by the Moderator

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Patricia Cooper

ITU

16:05 – 17:00
Interactive panel discussion

17:00 – 17:25
Audience Q&A session
17:25 – 17:30
Wrap-Up and session close

Speakers

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Patricia Cooper

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Patricia Cooper

Episode Moderator

ITU

Isabelle Mauro

Isabelle Mauro

Panelist

Director General

GSOA

Chris Woolford

Chris Woolford

Panelist

Director of International Spectrum Policy

Ofcom

John Giusti

John Giusti

Panelist

Chief Regulatory Officer for the GSMA

President of the GSMA Foundation

GSMA

Victor Kweka 

Victor Kweka 

Panelist

Manager of Spectrum Management

Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority

TCRA


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Virtual room opens 30 min before session start

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E2 – Direct-to-Device: Paving the way for satellite 5G/6G – ITU Space Connect

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