How seamless connectivity can provide value for (European) Telcos and their subscribers

Direct-to-handset communications from satellite has emerged as a major new opportunity in the telecoms market to connect customers. Different approaches and different partnerships are forming driven by regulatory factors, standards development and market demand. Join DT and other industry leaders from across the ecosystem as they explore technology advancements, commercial device availability, partner strategies and potential business models in Europe.

Direct-to-handset from satellite - How seamless connectivity can provide value for (European) Telcos and their subscribers

Kevin Cohen is the Commercial Director of Viasat, Inc.'s direct-to-device business, leading its global L-band satellite initiative to provide connectivity in cellular dead zones for consumers, enterprises, and the automotive industry. With 16 years at Viasat, he has held roles across engineering, product management, business development, and leadership, notably launching Viasat’s Community Internet service in underserved regions of Nigeria, Mexico, Guatemala, and Brazil.

Kevin Cohen 2025

Kevin Cohen

Vice President Direct-to-Device, Viasat Inc.

Parth Trivedi, CEO/Co-Founder of Skylo Technologies, provides global satellite connectivity for cellular devices, ensuring constant coverage for people and machines across various industries. Investors include Intel, Samsung, and Softbank. An aerospace engineer, Trivedi led projects at MIT for US defense/space agencies and was on the US delegation to the UN's ICAO. Skylo originated at Stanford and spun out with Innovation Endeavors. Trivedi holds degrees from Purdue, MIT, and Stanford.

Parthsarathi Trivedi 2025

Parthsarathi Trivedi

Chief Executive Office, Skylo Technologies Inc.

Aamir Akram is a Global Executive with expertise in product management, partnerships, and emerging cellular technologies (5G, NTN, eSIM). At Google, he was key in launching/scaling the Pixel business. As Sr. Director, he scales Pixel globally, forges partnerships, and prioritizes engineering. Experience includes Google's Project Loon, Apple's iPhone, and Motorola. He holds an MBA and an MS/BS in Electrical Engineering, along with patents in cellular technologies.

Aamir Akram 2025

Aamir Akram

Sr. Director, Global Partner Engineering and Launch Planning, Google

Antje Williams is appointed as Senior Vice President in Group Technology for Business Creation since April 2022. In 2024 she additionally took over satellite program lead for the group being responsible for the development of satellite connectivity offering in different aeras of DT, the negotiations with the satellite provider, the engagement in different publicly funded research activities and the ground network support for European Satellite Systems.

Antje Williams 2025

Antje Williams

Senior Vice President, Deutsche Telekom AG

At CCS Insight, Luke leads the Incubation Projects team, which is pioneering global research programs that delve into the mobile industry's evolving landscape, including the rise of 5G Private Networks, Satellite NTN and consumer technology trends. His dual role extends to helping co-ordinate the research partnership with the GSA (Global mobile Suppliers Association), ensuring the delivery of comprehensive industry reports and supporting the GAMBoD database.

Luke Pearce

Sessions where Luke Pearce takes part

Direct-to-handset from satellite