Bahrain has become the first country in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to approve Satellite Direct-to-Device (D2D) services, marking a significant milestone in the region’s digital connectivity landscape. The announcement was made by the kingdom’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) following the completion and publication of a consultation report that underpins the regulator’s broader digital strategy.
Satellite D2D services allow mobile users to stay connected in remote and hard-to-reach locations where traditional terrestrial mobile networks are unavailable, such as deserts, offshore zones, and maritime areas. Unlike conventional satellite communications, the technology enables standard smartphones to connect directly to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites without requiring specialised or bulky equipment.
The approval follows an extensive consultation process led by the TRA and aligns with Bahrain’s ambition to remain among the world’s most connected nations. By introducing Satellite D2D services, the regulator aims to close remaining coverage gaps across isolated land areas and surrounding waters, extending reliable connectivity beyond the reach of conventional cell towers.
Under the new regulatory framework, licensed mobile network operators in Bahrain will be allowed to partner with global satellite providers, including companies such as Starlink and AST SpaceMobile, to deliver seamless nationwide coverage. This collaboration is expected to enhance service continuity and resilience across the kingdom.
TRA General Director Philip Marnick said the move strengthens Bahrain’s position as a regional digital leader, highlighting that Satellite D2D technology supports continuous connectivity, improves safety, enables economic activity, and enhances national resilience in areas previously affected by coverage limitations.
With the approval, Bahrain and its surrounding waters are effectively transformed into a single, continuous connectivity zone. Smartphones will automatically switch to satellite connectivity when terrestrial signals are unavailable, ensuring uninterrupted mobile service for users at sea or in remote desert regions.
The announcement comes as Bahrain continues to gain international recognition for its digital infrastructure, having ranked first in the Middle East, North Africa, and the GCC in the Global Network Excellence Index, which assesses network quality and availability.
