FET to extend mobile coverage with direct-to-device satellite services

Far EasTone Telecommunications Co. announced Tuesday plans to develop direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services to extend mobile connectivity to areas beyond the reach of terrestrial networks.

FarEasTone Telecommunications and Elveo Mobile have partnered to expand their direct satellite connectivity for mobile phones. From left: FET Chief Technology Officer Kuo Chun-chieh, Senior Vice President of Personal Home Telecommunications and Entertainment Services Chu Cheng-en, and Elveo Mobile Vice President of Asia Pacific James Alderdice. (Photo courtesy of FarEasTone) Telecommunications)

The company signed a cooperation agreement with global D2D satellite communications provider Elveo Mobile to develop the technology. Far EasTone plans to gradually build up its satellite communications capabilities, spanning satellite broadband and D2D, according to CTEE.

Satellite broadband provides high-speed internet access in remote areas and specialized locations where reliable connections are essential. D2D technology, meanwhile, enables mobile phones to access network services through satellites when conventional mobile coverage is unavailable.

Far EasTone President Chee Ching (井琪) said next-generation communications would increasingly combine networks on the ground, in the air, and in space. She said the partnership is expected to strengthen network resilience.

Elveo CEO Ramu Potarazu said the company is building a satellite communications network backed by satellite assets and partnerships with more than 50 mobile network operators. He said the collaboration would help deliver reliable next-generation connectivity to Far EasTone subscribers and the Taiwan market.

Far EasTone said extreme weather and natural disasters can disrupt communications, making backup connectivity increasingly important. The company plans to combine terrestrial and satellite networks to maintain communications when conventional infrastructure is disrupted, with the aim of strengthening Taiwan’s overall communications resilience.