Orange CTO Emphasizes Seamless Integration of D2D Satellite Services into Mobile Experience

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Orange CTO Laurent Leboucher stresses the need for satellite direct-to-device (D2D) services to be smoothly integrated into mobile networks to benefit operators and users alike, highlighting satellite's dual role as opportunity and potential threat.

At the TIP FYUZ 2026 event in Seattle, Orange's Chief Technology Officer Laurent Leboucher addressed the growing role of direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services, such as those offered by SpaceX's Starlink. Leboucher cautioned that these services could pose a threat to traditional mobile operators if they are not seamlessly incorporated into the existing mobile experience. He emphasized that D2D satellite connectivity should not be viewed as external to the telecommunications ecosystem but rather as an integral part of mobile services.

"I think it’s part of the mobile experience. It has to be integrated very seamlessly, smoothly into the mobile experience," Leboucher stated, acknowledging the technical and operational challenges ahead. He highlighted that satellite technology offers significant opportunities for operators, but a misstep in integration could undermine their competitiveness.

In addition to D2D satellite integration, Leboucher identified agentic artificial intelligence (AI) as another transformative shift before the advent of 6G. He predicted that AI-driven personal agents would become prevalent across sectors including telecoms and banking, fundamentally altering customer interactions.

Regarding the evolution of mobile networks, Leboucher noted that the traditional practice of launching a new mobile generation every decade is ending. Future innovation will predominantly stem from software advancements rather than hardware. Nevertheless, hardware adaptations will be necessary to meet 6G requirements, especially in radio access technology.

He pointed out that existing 5G and 5G-Advanced technologies will not suffice to meet emerging demands. A new radio access technology is widely recognized as essential to improve spectral efficiency, increase capacity, and lower energy consumption. Since spectrum is considered the scarcer resource for operators, doubling spectral efficiency could have a major impact.

Leboucher also discussed the role of sensing and physical AI capabilities, which demand higher precision and bandwidth. While current 5G networks provide some sensing functionality, advancing this capability will be important. The adoption of new hardware will depend on its relevance and the economic case within each country.

In closing, he emphasized that enhancing efficiency alone is insufficient; the telecom industry must also focus on stimulating demand and developing monetization strategies for new technologies. Leboucher’s insights underscore both the challenges and opportunities facing operators as satellite connectivity and AI reshape the future of mobile networks.