The Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA) is focused on promoting the direct-to-device ecosystem. Photo: MSSA

A group of satellite operators debuted a new industry organization on Friday — the Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA), focused on promoting the direct-to-device (D2D) ecosystem. Its founding members are Viasat, Terrestar Solutions, Ligado Networks, Omnispace, and Yahsat. Viasat CEO Mark Dankberg is chairing the organization. 

The group aims to develop a global ecosystem using L- and S-band spectrum already licensed for mobile satellite services (MSS) for direct-to-device connectivity, integrating satellite into consumer mobile devices. 

MSSA is not affiliated with the Mobile Satellite Users Association (MSUA), which represents the interests of mobile satellite users and service providers. 

“Integrating satellite connectivity into consumer mobile devices is a transformative opportunity for the satellite industry. As a coalition of leaders with a unified voice, MSSA will be a driving force in making this new marketplace a reality, while respecting the rights of nations to meaningfully engage and retain sovereignty in a rapidly growing space economy,” Dankberg said. “The association will help create opportunities to scale NTN systems via open, standards-based solutions for D2D and IoT.” 

The association said it will foster a D2D ecosystem of solutions providers including terrestrial mobile and satellite operators, OEMs, infrastructure, chip vendors, and others, working with 3GPP standards as well. Its goals include building interoperable architectures and standards for multi-orbit satellite systems, ground infrastructure, and end-user equipment, and seamless roaming between terrestrial and satellite networks.