MSSA alliance with GSMA announced at Mobile World Congress (MWC) Las Vegas 2024

 October 8, 2024

The Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA) is proud to announce a transformative collaboration with the GSMA, the premier global organization representing mobile operators and the broader mobile ecosystem. This alliance is set to push the boundaries of mobile technology, redefine the future of mobile satellite communications, and drive unprecedented advancements in connectivity for consumers and enterprises worldwide.

Together, MSSA and GSMA will explore cutting-edge approaches to integrating Direct-to-Device (D2D) and Internet of Things (IoT) services via Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) satellites, anchored in the latest 3GPP standards. Together, MSSA and GSMA are committed to facilitating an ecosystem where open, interoperable systems seamlessly connect terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, creating a new era of ubiquitous global connectivity.

Key to this partnership is the ambition to enhance the efficiency and scalability of satellite communications, ensuring cost-effective deployment across the globe. By forging cooperative agreements with cellular operators, a new dimension of mobile services can be enabled, empowering consumers and enterprises with seamless satellite-augmented capabilities.

This alliance is not just about collaboration – it's about shaping the future. MSSA and GSMA will share their combined expertise, pioneering approaches and technical innovations that will drive the industry forward. Together, they will support new standards for sustainable network design and operation, and facilitate economies of scale, ensuring that the benefits of this collaboration are enjoyed across the entire mobile ecosystem.

Mark Dankberg, Chairman, MSSA, underscored the game-changing nature of this partnership: “This alliance with GSMA represents a bold leap forward in the evolution of mobile connectivity. We are joining forces to push the limits of what’s possible, bringing the power of satellite technology to millions of users globally. This is more than a partnership – it’s a revolution in how the world connects.”

Alex Sinclair, Chief Technology Officer, GSMA, echoed this sentiment: “Our collaboration with MSSA is based on the shared objective of reaching new benchmarks for global connectivity. By combining our strengths, we are laying the foundation for a future where satellite and terrestrial networks are fully integrated to provide unparalleled service and coverage.”