HELSINKI — China has moved to promote direct-to-device (D2D) services through issuing guidelines and licensing a telecommunications firm, signaling a strategic push into a globally competitive arena. The guidelines explicitly support phone direct-to-satellite services, encourage partnerships between telecommunications giants and satellite firms, and commercial trials for Internet of Things (IoT) services. China Telecom was already licensed and operating D2D services through the Tiantong geostationary satellite system, with services in Hong Kong and Laos. The moves follow the release of comprehensive regulations for D2D services in April, with seven government departments issued a notice titled “Regulations on the Management of Terminal Equipment Directly Connected to Satellite Services,” establishing the legal and technical groundwork for satellite connectivity aligned with national objectives. As reported by SpaceNews earlier this week, Europe has kicked off a study to improve D2D services using satellite spectrum, following SpaceX inking a multibillion-dollar deal for space-approved frequencies to expand its own 5G services.