SES Expands Global Direct-to-Device Services via Elveo Mobile Partnership

SES, a global leader in space solutions based in Luxembourg, has announced an expanded strategic investment and collaboration with Elveo Mobile, the new company formed through the merger of Lynk and Omnispace. This new partnership aims to accelerate the global delivery of direct-to-device (D2D) mobile connectivity services. Elveo Mobile seeks to bridge coverage gaps by providing mobile connectivity from space directly to mobile phones, devices, and machines worldwide.

Lynk and Omnispace completed their merger on August 14, 2026, establishing Elveo Mobile. This consolidation brings together two pioneering companies with over two decades of heritage in D2D services. Elveo Mobile plans to offer global D2D connectivity via multi-orbit satellites, utilizing both terrestrial and mobile satellite service (MSS) spectrum in partnership with mobile network operators (MNOs) and other enterprises. The company aims to launch commercial services by early 2028, initially providing narrowband capabilities for applications such as SMS, WhatsApp, FaceTime, and mobile banking.

SES holds a significant stake in Elveo Mobile, having previously invested in both Lynk and Omnispace. Following the merger, SES maintains its share in the combined entity and continues its strategic support. SES will provide Elveo with access to its expansive global space and ground infrastructure, assisting with go-to-market strategies, engineering, operations, and regulatory needs. Adel Al-Saleh, CEO of SES, stated that Elveo is an agile, forward-thinking innovator, exactly the type of strategic partner they sought for D2D services. Ramu Potarazu, CEO of Elveo, remarked that the partnership with SES will accelerate their time to market and extend their solutions to SES customers globally.

This strategic collaboration is expected to intensify competition within the satellite-based mobile connectivity market, fostering advancements in services for telecommunications, enterprise, and government clients. Elveo's multi-orbit (LEO, MEO, GEO) network architecture, combined with SES's existing geostationary (GEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO) networks, aims to deliver a more robust and cost-effective D2D solution. This integration is particularly crucial for providing seamless connectivity in regions with limited or no cellular coverage.

The global satellite communications sector has witnessed increasing momentum in direct-to-device connectivity services in recent years. The integration of satellite technology into smartphones by manufacturers and the proliferation of IoT (Internet of Things) devices are fueling demand in this area. Elveo Mobile's strategy to serve as a roaming partner for mobile network operators, rather than competing directly with them, may differentiate it from other major players in the sector, such as AST SpaceMobile and SpaceX's Starlink Mobile.

Analysts and market observers note that Elveo Mobile's commercial agreements with over 50 mobile network operators and distribution partners in more than 60 countries bolster its potential for rapid global service deployment. Elveo's plan to build a constellation of 320 LEO satellites and begin deploying new satellites in the fourth quarter of 2027 supports its objective of becoming a significant player in the global connectivity market in the coming period. This partnership could help SES expand its own services while positioning Elveo as a leader in the D2D market.