Ookla
Coverage of Ookla in the Nexus archive.
- Satellite phone dreams orbit reality as direct-to-cell usage set to underwhelm
Mobile telcos are partnering with satellite operators to expand coverage via direct-to-cell (D2C) technology, but Juniper Research warns real-world adoption may fall short due to niche use cases and unresolved issues like poor indoor coverage. T-Mobile and SpaceX’s Starlink pioneered D2C in the US, while Europe and other regions are exploring adoption, though dense urban areas remain challenging.
- Fusion for the future: XLSMART and ZTE partnering for a boundless digital Indonesia
XLSMART and ZTE have partnered on a dual-network convergence project in Indonesia, integrating over 20,000 4G base stations and deploying more than 7,000 new 5G sites. This initiative has launched the country's first nationwide 5G blanket coverage network, validated as the fastest 5G network in H2 2025. The project has enhanced coverage, capacity, and user experience for 73 million subscribers.
- Phone-to-satellite use goes into orbit, growing 25% in 8 months
Phone-to-satellite connections grew by 25% between July 2025 and March 2026, with the US and Starlink leading the direct-to-device (D2D) satellite market. Ookla recorded the increase, though the market remains a small fraction of overall mobile activity.