Bahrain’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has announced the launch of Satellite Direct-to-Device (D2D) services, positioning the kingdom as the first country in the GCC to approve the use of this advanced connectivity technology.
The new service enables mobile users to remain connected in remote locations where conventional mobile networks are unavailable, including deserts, offshore areas and maritime zones. Unlike traditional mobile communications, which rely on proximity to terrestrial cell towers, Satellite D2D allows standard smartphones to connect directly to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites without the need for specialised or bulky equipment.
The initiative follows an extensive consultation process led by the TRA and forms a key pillar of Bahrain’s wider digital strategy aimed at maintaining its status as one of the world’s most connected nations. By approving Satellite D2D services, the authority is addressing remaining coverage gaps across isolated land areas and surrounding waters.
Under the new regulatory framework, licensed mobile network operators in Bahrain will be permitted to collaborate with global satellite providers, including companies such as Starlink and AST SpaceMobile, to deliver seamless nationwide coverage.
TRA General Director Philip Marnick said the move reinforces Bahrain’s position as a regional digital leader, noting that the technology ensures continuous connectivity beyond the reach of terrestrial networks while supporting safety, economic activity, and national resilience.
The decision effectively transforms the entire kingdom and its surrounding waters into a continuous connectivity zone, eliminating traditional dead spots. For consumers, this means uninterrupted mobile service, whether at sea or in remote desert regions, with smartphones automatically switching to satellite connectivity when ground-based signals are unavailable.
The announcement comes as Bahrain continues to earn international recognition for its digital infrastructure. The kingdom has been ranked first in the Middle East, North Africa and the GCC in the Global Network Excellence Index, which evaluates network quality and availability.
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