SpaceNews · 24 Sep, 11:00 · Business briefing

D2D satellite operators need to look behind MNOs to reach their full business potential

Direct-to-device satellite operators must engage beyond traditional Mobile Network Operators to unlock their full commercial potential.

What it means for you ↓ Courses for this story

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

Direct-to-device satellite operators must engage beyond traditional Mobile Network Operators to unlock their full commercial potential. Rather than relying solely on MNO partnerships for market access, these firms should cultivate direct relationships with enterprise clients and device manufacturers. This shift enables greater control over service pricing, customer data, and product integration. By bypassing intermediate layers, satellite providers can offer tailored connectivity solutions that meet specific industry needs. This strategic pivot is essential for sustainable growth in the competitive telecommunications landscape.

Employer demand for Medical Physics skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

You need to pivot your strategy towards direct enterprise engagement. Traditional telco sales models are insufficient; you must master complex B2B negotiations and technical integration. Skills in satellite communications architecture and cross-industry partnership development are rising in value. If you work in connectivity or aerospace, deepen your understanding of IoT ecosystems and direct sales channels. Stop waiting for MNO gatekeepers. Instead, build relationships with hardware manufacturers and vertical industry leaders. Learn to articulate value propositions for sectors like maritime or logistics. This proactive approach positions you as a strategic advisor rather than a mere vendor. Update your network to include non-telecom stakeholders. Your career growth now depends on your ability to bridge the gap between space infrastructure and end-user device capabilities.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are Medical Physics, Python Data Visualisation Libraries Mastery, API Development and Staff Recruitment And Retention — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

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to benefit.

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