Trends
Most smartphone users would pay extra for satellite services
What happened: Viasat-GSMA intelligence survey reveals strong consumer demand for direct-to-device satellite mobile services A new report from Viasat, Inc. and GSMA Intelligence, canvassing 12,390 mobile-phone users across 12 countries, has captured widespread interest in direct-to-device (D2D) sate…
Headline
What happened: Viasat-GSMA intelligence survey reveals strong consumer demand for direct-to-device satellite mobile services A new report from Viasat, Inc. and GSMA Intelligence, canvassing 12,390 mobile-phone users across 12 countries, has captured widespread interest in…
Context
A new report from Viasat, Inc. and GSMA Intelligence , canvassing 12,390 mobile-phone users across 12 countries, has captured widespread interest in direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services. The survey — conducted between May and June 2025 — asked respondents about their mobile connectivity experience and willingness to pay for satellite-enabled coverage. More than one-third of participants reported losing access to basic cellular services at least twice a month. Against that backdrop, over 60% said they would pay extra for satellite connectivity on their smartphones. This willingness was strongest in markets such as India (89 %) and Indonesia (82 %), while more developed economies like the US and France registered lower but non-trivial levels (56 % and 48 % respectively).
Evidence
Pending intelligence enrichment.
Analysis
On average, willing consumers said they’d pay 5–7 % more on their monthly phone bill to get such coverage — with India at the higher end (9 %). Alarmingly for telcos lagging behind, 47 % globally said they would change providers if satellite-enabled coverage was offered elsewhere. Proponents of the report argue that this represents a clear business opportunity for mobile network operators (MNOs): D2D satellite can expand coverage beyond terrestrial reach and address “mobile blackspots” — contributing to digital inclusion, resilience, and even economic growth. Also read: Starlink brings direct-to-cell satellite to Ukraine for smartphone use Also read: SoftBank 5G HAPS test connects smartphones from sky As the adoption of D2D satellite services appears to gain traction among consumers, the implications for the telecommunications industry could be significant:
Key Points
- 60 % of surveyed mobile users are willing to pay more for smartphone-to-satellite connectivity; respondents in markets like India (89 %) and Indonesia (82 %) are most enthusiastic.
- On average, those willing to pay would accept a 5–7 % increase in their monthly bill (9 % in India), and 47 % of global respondents said they would switch telcos to get satellite-enabled coverage.
Actions
Pending intelligence enrichment.
