Satellite communications are a longstanding technology that have remained inaccessible due to their higher costs – and arguably limited capabilities - compared to terrestrial networks. However, recent advances in the technology have seen direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity gaining significant traction, with D2D now able to offer an easier and more cost-effective way for devices to access reliable connectivity.

LEO satellite operator Iridium Communications said on Tuesday that it has teamed with critical communicationss provider Satcom Direct Brasil to provide Brazilian freight train operator MRS Logística with satellite connectivity for its railway operations.

Chinese LEO satellite operator Geespace and Malaysian telecoms service provider Altel Communications have agreed to establish an R&D centre to develop use cases for direct-to-device (D2D) satellite communications technology.

SpaceX has reportedly said it plans to invest US$1.5 billion in Vietnam in the near future as an apparent sweetener to convince the government to allow the company to launch its LEO satellite broadband service Starlink in the country.