MSSA Filings
The MSSA is following regulatory developments and our advocacy work is shaping the future of the D2D ecosystem. Access the MSSA’s filings and regulatory submissions, learn more about the 3GPP standards body, and read spectrum and technical policy positions that we have contributed to global regulatory bodies.
Submissions & Filings
MSSA filed comments with India's Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRAI) on Consultation Paper No. 6 of 2026, addressing the framework for Satellite Communication Network authorization and spectrum assignment. MSSA supports a technology-neutral approach prioritizing harmonized MSS spectrum for near-term D2D deployment.
MSSA submitted concerns to Brazil's national telecom regulator ANATEL on Public Consultation No. 8/2026 regarding AST's proposal to operate in 2 GHz MSS spectrum already assigned to other operators. MSSA argues co-frequency MSS use by multiple operators is not technically feasible without harmful interference.
MSSA responded to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Industry Engagement Workshop reviewing the satellite spectrum landscape. MSSA recommends prioritizing harmonized MSS L- and S-bands for near-term D2D deployment, with IMT-band D2D deferred until WRC-27 outcomes.
MSSA filed a letter with the U.S. FCC opposing SpaceX's application to launch 15,000 additional NGSO satellites operating across the 1429-2690 MHz band for MSS and supplemental coverage from space. MSSA argues the MSS portions of the band are unavailable for new applicants and the application should be denied.
MSSA responded to Saudi Arabia's Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) consultation 7-1447 on D2D services. MSSA recommends initially authorizing D2D in MSS spectrum only, with specific frequency bands listed, and deferring IMT-band D2D pending WRC-27 coexistence studies.
MSSA submitted comments to Bahrain's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) on the consultation authorizing D2D satellite services. MSSA supports the proposed MSS spectrum framework but recommends deferring IMT-band D2D authorization pending WRC-27 Agenda Item 1.13 and national coexistence studies.
MSSA responded to the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL) consultation on amending the licence classification to include Non-Terrestrial Networks. MSSA recommends authorizing D2D in MSS spectrum, deferring IMT-band D2D, and adopting cost-recovery licensing fees over revenue-based fees.
MSSA presented its white paper on Spectrum Management Considerations for D2D Services to the 46th meeting of CITEL PCC.II in Salvador, Brazil. The paper compares shared MNO spectrum with dedicated MSS spectrum for D2D, advocating for MSS-based approaches that avoid terrestrial interference risks.
MSSA presentó su informe técnico sobre Consideraciones de Gestión del Espectro para Servicios D2D ante la 46ª reunión del CCP.II de CITEL en Salvador, Brasil. El documento compara el uso compartido del espectro de los operadores móviles con el espectro MSS dedicado, recomendando el enfoque basado en MSS.
MSSA responded to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) consultation on allocation design and technical matters for the 2 GHz MSS band. MSSA opposes price-based auctions, supports administrative assignment, and recommends a 15-year minimum licence term with 2x15 MHz and 2x10 MHz lot configurations.
MSSA responded to Egypt's National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) consultation on satellite D2D services. MSSA urges the NTRA to clarify that D2D operations in MSS spectrum are compatible with existing GMPCS licenses, and to defer IMT-band D2D authorization pending WRC-27 outcomes.
MSSA presentó casos de estudio sobre D2D MSS e IoT ante la 45ª reunión del CCP.II de CITEL en Ciudad de México. Los casos incluyen rastreo de artes de pesca fantasma en México, lucha contra pesca ilegal en Antártida, e integración de Ericsson, Qualcomm y Thales de redes móviles con satelitales.
MSSA presented case studies of MSS D2D and IoT applications at the 45th meeting of CITEL PCC.II in Mexico City. Member case studies include ghost fishing gear tracking in Mexico, illegal fishing prevention in Antarctica, automotive D2D in remote Brazil, and Ericsson/Qualcomm/Thales mobile-satellite integration.
MSSA responded to the second round of Trinidad and Tobago's Telecommunications Authority (TATT) consultative document on the Spectrum Plan for Non-Terrestrial Networks. MSSA raises concerns about the band plan, the MNO partnership mandate, and the spectrum cap, which together could limit service flexibility.
MSSA submitted comments to UK regulator Ofcom on Enabling satellite direct-to-device services in mobile spectrum bands. MSSA notes that MSS operators are already providing D2D in the UK using L- and S-band MSS spectrum, and cautions that IMT-band D2D requires further technical studies before authorization.
MSSA filed a letter with the U.S. FCC to correct the record on SpaceX's mischaracterization of MSSA's mission. The letter reiterates MSSA's role as a non-profit industry association supporting the D2D ecosystem using MSS spectrum and open standards-based solutions for global mobile connectivity.
MSSA submitted comments to the EU Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) on its draft Opinion on satellite direct-to-device connectivity and Single Market issues. MSSA argues the EU's existing regulatory framework already supports D2D-MES services and recommends maintaining service and technology neutrality.
MSSA filed a letter with the U.S. FCC opposing SpaceX's amended Gen2 application seeking authority to operate 7,500 satellites across the 1429-2690 MHz band for MSS operations outside the U.S. MSSA argues SpaceX has not demonstrated it can avoid harmful interference to authorized MSS networks.
MSSA responded to Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority's (TCRA) consultation on convergence of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. MSSA recommends MSS D2D as the near-term path, notes most African administrations already have regulations enabling MSS, and cautions on IMT D2D interference challenges.
MSSA submitted comments to the U.S. NTIA on the impact of L-band MSS direct-to-device operations on GPS. MSSA explains that current MSS services operate within existing L-band protection criteria without GPS interference, and that D2D in MSS spectrum poses no new risk to adjacent-band GPS operations.
MSSA submitted a white paper to CITEL Permanent Consultative Committee I on considerations for direct-to-device satellite technology. The paper distinguishes MSS D2D, which is feasible within existing frameworks, from IMT D2D, which requires further regulatory and technical study before deployment.
MSSA filed a letter with the U.S. FCC addressing SpaceX MSS spectrum activities. Consistent with other MSSA filings in this proceeding, MSSA emphasizes the importance of protecting existing and planned MSS operations from harmful interference and ensuring that MSS spectrum continues to support critical D2D innovation.
MSSA submitted comments to Trinidad and Tobago's TATT on the first round of its Consultative Document on the Spectrum Plan for Non-Terrestrial Networks. MSSA recommends an orbit-neutral and technology-neutral approach, noting that GEO, MEO, and LEO systems can all support MSS-based D2D services.
MSSA responded to Canada's Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) consultation on the framework for Supplemental Mobile Coverage from Space (SMCS). MSSA distinguishes MSS D2D from IMT D2D, supports ISED's recognition that existing MSS rules already enable MSS D2D, and cautions on IMT D2D risks.
MSSA presentó su informe técnico Consideraciones sobre las Tecnologías Satelitales Directo al Dispositivo ante la 44ª reunión del CCP.II de CITEL en Mérida, México. El documento compara los dos enfoques D2D, MSS y IMT, y argumenta que el espectro MSS permite un despliegue inmediato.
MSSA presentó su documento introductorio ante la 44ª reunión del CCP.II de CITEL en Mérida, México. El documento describe la misión de MSSA como asociación no lucrativa fundada en 2024, sus miembros fundadores, y su visión de integrar las redes terrestres y no terrestres basadas en estándares 3GPP.
MSSA submitted its Considerations for Direct-to-Device Satellite Technology white paper to the 44th meeting of CITEL PCC.II in Merida, Mexico. The paper addresses the 18% rural connectivity gap in the Americas and explains how MSS-based D2D can immediately leverage existing ITU allocations to close it.
MSSA introduced itself to the 44th meeting of CITEL PCC.II in Merida, Mexico. The document describes MSSA's mission, founding members (Viasat, Terrestar, Ligado, Omnispace, Yahsat), and goals around facilitating D2D services using over 100 MHz of L- and S-band MSS spectrum and 3GPP NTN standards.
MSSA submitted its initial response to UK regulator Ofcom's first D2D consultation. MSSA cites a 2022 GSMA study estimating USD 30 billion in incremental D2D revenue globally by 2035, distinguishes MSS D2D from IMT D2D, and recommends that D2D services not be constrained to mass-market mobile handsets.
MSSA submitted comments to the U.S. FCC's Communications Marketplace Report (GN Docket No. 24-119). MSSA highlights the role of 3GPP NTN standards in spurring D2D demand, notes that 18% of the rural Americas population lacks internet access via terrestrial networks, and cites the Apple/Globalstar D2D partnership.
MSSA submitted reply comments to the U.S. FCC opposing two SpaceX petitions for rulemaking (RM-11975, RM-11976) that sought to revise the Commission's 1.6/2.4 GHz and 2 GHz MSS sharing plans. MSSA argues the petitions would upend existing MSS frameworks and undermine D2D innovation already underway.