Smartphones are now capable of connecting with satellites in Low Earth Orbit to receive emergency communications and transmit public warnings to areas without a terrestrial cell connection. This technology was first approved for commercial use in the USA in November 2024, and will likely become available in the EU in the near future. One of the main initial uses of Direct to Device Communications is expected to be emergency communications.
The use of Direct to Device Satellite Communications will likely remain limited in the EU, due to the very high population coverage of terrestrial mobile networks in the EU. However, it may be particularly useful in situations where the parts of the terrestrial network fail, such as following a natural disaster. In these situations, satellites could be used to send public warnings to citizens, or to allow distressed citizens to make calls to 112. Direct to Device Satellite Communications can therefore significantly enhance the resilience of 112 in Europe.
However, the rise of satellite-based communications services also comes with several challenges for emergency communications. Perhaps the most important challenge to overcome is routing, which will have to work differently for Direct to Device. Other technologies, such as caller location, will need to be tested to ensure they function effectively.
EENA will increase its work in emergency satellite communications in the coming months. This work will build on its existing research in the sector, and its ongoing participation in the EU funded AWARE and SUNSHINE projects, which will allow Member States to use the Galileo satellite constellation to transmit public warnings. It has also cooperated with the European Space Agency to outline the needs of emergency communications professionals in direct to device satellite communications.