Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity is seen by many as a game-changer for global communications. But can it truly reach its full potential, and what key factors will shape its future?
Join us on 1st July at the Hotel nHow Bloom in Brussels for a one-day policy forum dedicated to exploring these critical questions. Sessions will bring together key stakeholders to examine the regulatory landscape, technological advancements, emerging business models, and the challenges that lie ahead. How can industry and governments collaborate to unlock the full promise of D2D connectivity?
Registration is now open, so don’t miss the opportunity to join us in Brussels and be part of these crucial conversations.
This event will take place back to back to the European Space Forum.
Taking place in Brussels on 2-3 July 2025 the European Space Forum is now in its 5th edition, and established as one of the key meeting points for the European space community. Find out more at euspaceforum.com.
Forum Europe events are where people and policy meet. We have been organising policy conferences in Brussels and around Europe since 1989. Our events provide unique insights from the people behind the policy and those seeking to influence it. Our expert team develop conference programmes with impact and provide first-class event logistics. Forum Europe is more than an event management and conference production specialist. With offices in Brussels and the UK, we operate across Europe and globally. Through our international arm, Forum Global, our events cover five continents, and engage policymakers and industry at national and regional levels around the world. Our mission is to drill down to the issues that matter, creating policy events that are ahead of the curve, facilitating frank and open debate on some of the most pressing issues facing Europe and the world today.
Access Partnership is the world’s preeminent tech advisory firm. We’ve been helping leading companies navigate complex regulatory challenges and expand their products and services to new markets since 1999. During this time, we’ve also worked closely with governments to offer advice on creating policies and regulations as the landscape continues to change with new and emerging technologies.
Through two decades of experience, Access Partnership has developed effective and proprietary processes that ensure our clients’ goals are achieved every time. With our expertise and experience, we’re able to anticipate future regulations and manage policy trends on a global scale.
Their mission is to ensure that everyone has access to transformative technologies while promoting fair competition and consumer choice.
Analysys Mason is the world’s leading management consultancy focused on telecoms, media and technology (TMT). They give clarity and confidence in answering our clients’ biggest commercial questions: What strategy will best enhance value? What implementation plan will be most successful? What is the optimal positioning for five years’ time?
Analysys Mason bring together commercial and technical expertise across four interconnected consultancy practices strengthened by globally respected research.
The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting nearly 800 operators with more than 250 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and Internet companies, as well as organisations in adjacent industry sectors. The GSMA also produces industry-leading events such as Mobile World Congress, Mobile World Congress Shanghai and the Mobile 360 Series conferences.
GSOA is a non-profit organisation established with the objective of serving and promoting the common interests of satellite operators from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the CIS.
The Association today represents the interests of 21 satellite operators who deliver information and communication services across the globe. Together, ESOA members provide invaluable communications services to the whole world, including emergency communications, live broadcasting, maritime and aero communications, secure services for governments, 24-7 monitoring of industrial processes such as energy plants, and a whole range of other communications capabilities that society has come to rely on.
Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I) operates the world’s first Globalized Network, delivering high-quality, cost-effective video and broadband services anywhere in the world. Intelsat’s Globalized Network combines the world’s largest satellite backbone with terrestrial infrastructure, managed services and an open, interoperable architecture to enable customers to drive revenue and reach through a new generation of network services. Thousands of organizations serving billions of people worldwide rely on Intelsat to provide ubiquitous broadband connectivity, multi-format video broadcasting, secure satellite communications and seamless mobility services. The end result is an entirely new world, one that allows us to envision the impossible, connect without boundaries and transform the ways in which we live. For more information, visit www.intelsat.com.
Omnispace is uniting the simplicity of mobile roaming with the scope of satellite to create the world’s first truly global 5G network.
Omnispace are reinventing communications to deliver greater reach, improved reliability, and enhanced quality of service for billions of users and devices worldwide. By integrating terrestrial and satellite networks into one seamless connected experience, they are empowering consumer, enterprise, government and IoT users worldwide.
Vodafone is a leading telecommunications company in Europe and Africa, led by its purpose to connect for a better future.
Vodafone develops a range of leading products and services to connect their customers and help build the digital societies of the future.
Policy Impact Partners (PIP) is a global consultancy platform supporting the future of digital connectivity.
PIP bring together senior experts to develop, promote, and impact policy and regulations that enable innovative technologies to positively transform economies and societies.
Timo Pesonen is the current Director-General of DG DEFIS (Defence Industry and Space).
After graduating in 1989 in International Politics from the University of Tampere, he stayed in his home country to serve as an attaché at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. He then left for Brussels and the Embassy of Finland, where he worked with Foreign and Security policy including accreditation to NATO and WEU for four years.
The year 1995 marked his appointment as national expert for DG RELEX (External Relations) and then he worked as the spokesman for Commissioner Erkki Liikanen, 1996-1997.
From 1997 to 2002, he served as Foreign Policy Adviser to the Prime Minister of Finland, Paavo Lipponen. He also undertook an advisory mission during the Kosovo peace negotiations for the President of Finland, Martti Ahtisaari.
After working at the European Commission Representation in Helsinki as Acting Head between 2003-2004, he acted as Head of Cabinet of Vice-President Olli Rehn for 10 years. He became Deputy Director-General of DG COMM (Communication) in 2014 and was appointed as Director-General the following year. Taking the helm of DG GROW (Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs) in March 2019, he accompanied the creation of DG DEFIS in 2020 as the head of the new Directorate-General.
In addition to his native Finnish, Timo Pesonen speaks English, Swedish and French.
Director-General
for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS)
European
Commission
Josef Aschbacher, of Austrian nationality, is a geophysicist by education. He joined ESA in 1990. Throughout his career he held various positions in different locations. He also worked for the European Union. In 2016 he became ESA’s Director of Earth Observation, and in 2021 he took office as ESA’s Director General.
Director General
ESA
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced on 26 June 2023 the appointment of Aarti Holla-Maini of the United Kingdom as Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in Vienna.
She will succeed Simonetta Di Pippo of Italy, to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for her commitment and dedicated service to the Organization. The Secretary-General also wishes to extend his appreciation to the Chief, Committee, Policy and Legal Affairs Section, Niklas Hedman, who will continue to serve as Acting Director of UNOOSA until Ms. Holla-Maini assumes this position.
UNOOSA works to promote international cooperation in the peaceful use and exploration of space, and in the utilisation of space science and technology for sustainable economic and social development.
Ms. Holla-Maini brings to this position over 25 years of professional experience in the space sector including in managerial and advocacy functions. Most recently, she has held the role of Executive Vice-President Sustainability, Policy & Impact at NorthStar Earth & Space; prior to which she spent over 18 years as Secretary-General of the Global Satellite Operators Association.
Ms. Holla-Maini’s experience includes service as a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Space; member of the Advisory Group of the Space Sustainability Rating managed by eSpace at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) Space Center; member of the Advisory Board of the Satellite Industry Association of India; Senior Space Policy Adviser to Forum Europe and as Expert Adviser on Space Traffic Management for European Union studies 2021-2023. She was also one of the chief architects of the Crisis Connectivity Charter established in 2015 for emergency telecommunications via satellite with the UN World Food Program’s Emergency Telecommunications Cluster.
Ms. Holla-Maini holds a bachelor’s degree in law with German law from Kings College London, UK, a master’s degree in business administration from HEC Paris, France, and she is also an alumna of the International Space University. She is fluent in English, French, German and Punjabi and has moderate knowledge of Dutch.
Director
United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)
Thomas Dermine, born on 1 May 1986 in Charleroi, is a French-speaking Belgian economist and politician who is a member of the Socialist Party. Since 1 October 2020, he has been a member of the Belgian government, deputy to the Minister for the Economy and Labour, as State Secretary for Economic Recovery and Strategic Investment with responsibility for Science Policy, in Alexander De Croo’s federal government.
State Secretary for Economic Recovery and Strategic Investments
Government of
Belgium
Dr Orsolya Ferencz serves as a Ministerial Commissioner for Space Research, and as the Head of the Hungarian Delegation to the European Space Agency since 2018. Her career as a researcher began at Eötvös Loránd University, Department of Geophysics and Space Science, Budapest in 1996, and in 2000 she obtained her PhD degree. After over 15 years of research on electromagnetic wave propagation, transient phenomena, remote sensing, plasmasphere, onboard electronic instruments, in 2013 she became a research fellow in the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Geodetic and Geophysical Institute. She began her public service in 2010 as an Elected Member of the Municipal Government of Józsefváros, Budapest. In 2023 she was elected as a Member of the National Assembly.
Ministerial Commissioner for Space Research
Government of Hungary
Eva Berneke is Chief Executive Officer of Eutelsat Group, the world’s first GEO-LEO integrated satellite operator formed through the merger of Eutelsat Communications, a global leader in geostationary (GEO) satellite operations, and OneWeb, a world-class low earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications network.
Eva Berneke joined Eutelsat on 1st January 2022 from KMD, Denmark’s leading IT and software company, specialising in IT solutions and services for the public and private sector, and now part of the NEC Group. During her tenure she oversaw the transformation of KMD from a mainly government service provider to a modern, digital company competing in both the public and private sectors.
Prior to that Eva held several senior positions at TDC, formerly TeleDanmark, the largest telecommunications company in Denmark, notably as Head of Strategy and Head of the company’s Wholesale Business division. Eva began her career at McKinsey where she developed a specialization in the TMT sectors and where she was based for 10 years at the group’s Paris offices.
Eva sits on the Boards of international groups Lego and Vestas Wind Systems as well as France’s Ecole Polytechnique. She is a graduate of Denmark’s Technical University, where she gained a master’s degree in mechanical engineering, and holds an MBA from INSEAD.
Vice Chair
GSOA
CEO
Eutelsat Group
On 16 October 2020, Rodrigo da Costa took up his duties as Executive Director of the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), formerly the European GNSS Agency (GSA). Prior to this, he was the Galileo Services Programme Manager from March 2017.
EUSPA is an Agency of dedicated EU professionals working for a stronger, more competitive and united European Space Programme, creating synergies between satellite navigation (EGNOS & Galileo), Earth Observation (Copernicus) and secure telecommunications (GOVSATCOM). EUSPA designs and delivers user-centered services working together with the European Commission and a wide range of national, European and international stakeholders, industries and user communities. The EU Space Programme is both a resource and a springboard for the European economy, competitiveness and sustainability.
Before joining EUSPA, Rodrigo da Costa held several senior project management, business development, and institutional key account management positions in the space industry, in the areas of human space flight, exploration, launchers and R&D.
Rodrigo da Costa holds a degree in Aerospace Engineering from the “Instituto Superior Tecnico” in Lisbon, a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Delft, and an MBA from the EuroMBA consortium of Business Schools.
Executive Director
EUSPA
Benedikta von Seherr-Thoß is Managing Director for peace, security and defense at the European External Action Service (EEAS). Her responsibilities include space security, defence and diplomacy, the strategic planning of EU’s civilian and military missions and operations, cyber defence and diplomacy, maritime security, disarmament and non-proliferation, and counterterrorism, among others. Until October 2022, she served as Security Policy Director of the German Federal Ministry of Defence (MoD), dealing inter alia with bilateral relations, NATO, EU, nuclear policy as well as coordinating the MoD’s work on a new German National Security Strategy. From 2017, she was EU Representative of the German Ministry of Defence and Head of the EU Division in the Department for Security Policy for four years. She also had the ministerial lead on Germany’s EU Council Presidency in 2020.
Prior to that, she worked as Political Advisor to Minister of Defence Ursula von der Leyen for two years. From 2013-15, she was the first defence civilian to participate in the National General/Admiral Staff Officer Course of the Bundeswehr.
Before that, she spent more than two years working as Senior Political Advisor and then Deputy Director to the NATO Senior Civilian Representative at ISAF Headquarters in Kabul/Afghanistan. From 2007-11 she functioned as Deputy Head of the NATO Division in the Policy Planning & Advisory Staff to the Minister of Defence, focusing on the Alliance, transatlantic issues and nuclear policy. She started her career at NATO Headquarters in 2004, where she worked as Desk Officer in the Political Affairs & Security Policy Division. Benedikta studied Modern History at the University of Oxford, from where she graduated with a Masters and a PhD.
Managing Director for Peace, Security and Defence
European External Action Service (EEAS)
Christophe Grudler is a French Member of the European Parliament (MEP),member of the Renew Europe group.
Historian and journalist by training, his political commitment started at an early stage of his career. He is particularly involved at the local level in his hometown, Belfort, where he has been elected as a local representative several times.
Within the European Parliament, he is Vice-Coordinator of the ITRE Committee (Industry, research and energy) for the Renew Europe group. He is also a member of the Foreign Affairs (AFET) and Security and Defence (SEDE) committees. Furthermore, he is Vice President of the Sky & Space Intergroup of the European Parliament.
MEP Grudler is particularly involved on energy and industry related topics, as well as on space and defence policies. He has been appointed as rapporteur for the European Parliament on the Initiative report on Energy System Integration and recently on the future European secure connectivity. He is also shadow rapporteur for his group on the European Industrial Strategy, the revision of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and on the European Space Programme.
Member & Rapporteur on the EU Secure Connectivity Initiative
European Parliament
Julie Kearney is the first Chief of the Space Bureau at the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Launched in April 2023, the Space Bureau plays a key role in advancing the Commission’s Space Innovation Agenda to meet the needs of the next generation Space Age. As a globally-recognized leader/lawyer/board member in the technology and telecommunications field, Julie has been working for more than 25 years with governments, industry, and the public sector around the world to promote legal and regulatory frameworks and policies that enable life-changing technologies. Prior to the FCC, she held senior roles at Loon (an Alphabet company), Twilio Inc., the Consumer Technology Association, National Public Radio, MCI, and private legal practice. She earned her B.A. from Mount Holyoke College and a J.D. from Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law.
Chief, Space Bureau
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Note: All timings are in Central European Summer Time (CEST).
The full conference agenda will be available soon, offering an in-depth overview of all sessions, speakers, and activities. Stay tuned for exciting updates!
All times listed are in local Brussels time (CET).
Regulating direct-to-device (D2D) services across Europe remains in its infancy. While individual member states are beginning to explore regulatory approaches tailored to their unique circumstances, efforts are also underway at the European level to prevent fragmentation and establish a coordinated framework. As part of this, the European Commission have asked the Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) to prepare an opinion on developing an EU-level policy approach to D2D, focusing on aspects such as national authorizations, current and anticipated use of potential frequency bands, technical considerations, and the necessity for regulatory coordination and harmonization across the EU. The final opinion is expected to be released in the weeks leading up to this event, and against this backdrop, this session will look both at this and also the work that is taking place more broadly across Europe to develop a cohesive European policy framework that supports innovation and equitable access in the D2D sector. What are the steps that need to be taken in order to deliver this and are we on the right path?
Policymakers around the world are working to update regulatory frameworks and keep pace with the rapidly evolving D2D market. This session will explore the countries and regions at the forefront of these efforts, highlighting emerging trends, as well as the similarities and differences that are emerging in regional approaches. It will delve into balancing the need for international collaboration with the importance of addressing specific regional priorities, market conditions, and dynamics; exploring how stakeholders can work together to create a cohesive policy environment that fosters innovation, competition and sustainability. With WRC-27 on the horizon, discussions will also consider its critical role in shaping the D2D future by addressing key issues like spectrum allocation and coexistence between networks and services. What path is being taken by international, regional and national policymakers to navigate the regulatory complexities posed by D2D in order to maximise its potential and deliver a connected future for the benefit of all?
Ensuring the alignment of D2D with standards is essential for achieving long-term viability, fostering interoperability, and scaling solutions across diverse markets. This discussion will explore how D2D fits within the 3GPP framework, the challenges of standardizing innovative technologies, and at how standards within the D2D ecosystem are starting to emerge more broadly.
The rise in interest of D2D connectivity has brought with it a transformative period of innovation and strategic realignment involving a number of key stakeholders. As the boundaries between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks become increasingly blurred, distinct deployment models are emerging, each presenting unique opportunities and challenges. Two primary approaches are being seen, leveraging mobile (IMT) and satellite (MSS) spectrum frequency bands respectively to deliver connectivity. This session will examine the pros and cons of these 2 approaches and the broader implications that they may have on global markets, business strategies, and the shifting roles of satellite operators and MNOs. It will explore whether the future lies in a unified approach or in the coexistence of multiple models designed to meet diverse demands, as well as how evolving competitive and collaborative dynamics among key players may influence the direction of this rapidly evolving ecosystem.
As D2D connectivity continues to gain traction, an increasing number of potential new use cases and scenarios are being proposed. A key factor in the success of these use cases and of the D2D sector as a whole will be delivering the financial sustainability of these services, ensuring affordability for end users while maintaining profitability. This panel will explore the potential evolution of D2D services and technologies, examining their integration within the current connectivity ecosystem and how this may evolve as we move beyond 5G and into the 6G era. It will examine the key use cases and applications that could shape the trajectory of D2D, and examine the monetisation strategies that could enable these. Discussions will also look at the economic and societal benefits that could be brought to rural, remote, and disaster-prone areas around the world (eg, through connecting the unconnected, disaster response, environmental monitoring), and ask the question how financial constraints can be tackled to deliver services at an affordable level given that these are often some of the poorest communities on Earth.
Regulating direct-to-device (D2D) services across Europe remains in its infancy. While individual member states are beginning to explore regulatory approaches tailored to their unique circumstances, efforts are also underway at the European level to prevent fragmentation and establish a coordinated framework. As part of this, the European Commission have asked the Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) to prepare an opinion on developing an EU-level policy approach to D2D, focusing on aspects such as national authorizations, current and anticipated use of potential frequency bands, technical considerations, and the necessity for regulatory coordination and harmonization across the EU. The final opinion is expected to be released in the weeks leading up to this event, and against this backdrop, this session will look both at this and also the work that is taking place more broadly across Europe to develop a cohesive European policy framework that supports innovation and equitable access in the D2D sector. What are the steps that need to be taken in order to deliver this and are we on the right path?
Policymakers around the world are working to update regulatory frameworks and keep pace with the rapidly evolving D2D market. This session will explore the countries and regions at the forefront of these efforts, highlighting emerging trends, as well as the similarities and differences that are emerging in regional approaches. It will delve into balancing the need for international collaboration with the importance of addressing specific regional priorities, market conditions, and dynamics; exploring how stakeholders can work together to create a cohesive policy environment that fosters innovation, competition and sustainability. With WRC-27 on the horizon, discussions will also consider its critical role in shaping the D2D future by addressing key issues like spectrum allocation and coexistence between networks and services. What path is being taken by international, regional and national policymakers to navigate the regulatory complexities posed by D2D in order to maximise its potential and deliver a connected future for the benefit of all?
Ensuring the alignment of D2D with standards is essential for achieving long-term viability, fostering interoperability, and scaling solutions across diverse markets. This discussion will explore how D2D fits within the 3GPP framework, the challenges of standardizing innovative technologies, and at how standards within the D2D ecosystem are starting to emerge more broadly.
The rise in interest of D2D connectivity has brought with it a transformative period of innovation and strategic realignment involving a number of key stakeholders. As the boundaries between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks become increasingly blurred, distinct deployment models are emerging, each presenting unique opportunities and challenges. Two primary approaches are being seen, leveraging mobile (IMT) and satellite (MSS) spectrum frequency bands respectively to deliver connectivity. This session will examine the pros and cons of these 2 approaches and the broader implications that they may have on global markets, business strategies, and the shifting roles of satellite operators and MNOs. It will explore whether the future lies in a unified approach or in the coexistence of multiple models designed to meet diverse demands, as well as how evolving competitive and collaborative dynamics among key players may influence the direction of this rapidly evolving ecosystem.
As D2D connectivity continues to gain traction, an increasing number of potential new use cases and scenarios are being proposed. A key factor in the success of these use cases and of the D2D sector as a whole will be delivering the financial sustainability of these services, ensuring affordability for end users while maintaining profitability. This panel will explore the potential evolution of D2D services and technologies, examining their integration within the current connectivity ecosystem and how this may evolve as we move beyond 5G and into the 6G era. It will examine the key use cases and applications that could shape the trajectory of D2D, and examine the monetisation strategies that could enable these. Discussions will also look at the economic and societal benefits that could be brought to rural, remote, and disaster-prone areas around the world (eg, through connecting the unconnected, disaster response, environmental monitoring), and ask the question how financial constraints can be tackled to deliver services at an affordable level given that these are often some of the poorest communities on Earth.
We have various speaking, sponsor, and wider visibility opportunities available at the event. Should you be interested in becoming involved at the D2D Policy Forum please contact Dan Craft on dan.craft@forum-europe.com.
Exclusive speaking positions | Your organisation can contribute to the discussion.
Engaging and interactive format | Engage in a fully immersive and interactive debate with decision makers, businesses and policymakers.
EU and Global Outreach | Convey your message to a broad and international audience.
Networking opportunities | Networking opportunities will be available to all in person attendees throughout the day.
Visibility opportunities | Ensure maximum visibility through branding in the room, on the event website and marketing activities.
Exhibition and demos area | Showcase your products and solutions or share a position paper with the audience at onsite exhibition booths.
Please kindly note that this is a fully in-person event, taking place at the Hotel nhow Brussels Bloom. There will be no virtual element to this event.
Standard
Applies to: Corporate, Trade Association, Law Firm/Public Affairs Firm
€85
€95
Reduced
Applies to: NGO/Not for Profit
€45
€55
Academic / Student
Applies to: Academic / Student
€20
€20
Free
Applies to: National Government / Regulator & Diplomatic Mission to the EU, European Commission / Parliament / Council, EU Permanent Representatives, National Space Agencies/ESA, Accredited Journalists
FREE
FREE
The early bird rate will end on 23 May 2025. Also, please note that fees do not include Belgian VAT @ 21%, and this amount will be added to the total price when you are invoiced.
Hotel nhow Brussels Bloom
Rue Royale 250, 1210 Bruxelles, Belgium
If you and your team need a hotel bedroom for the duration of the event, we negotiated a special rate for accommodation at the Hotel nhow Brussels Bloom. Please click here to book your room.
For more information on any aspect of this event, please contact Kate Lymer using any of the details below.
Kate Lymer
Senior Event Manager
Forum Europe
d2d@forum-europe.com
+44 (0) 2920 783 072
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