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This Special Issue (SI) investigates the burgeoning field of direct satellite-to-device (DS2D) communications with an emphasis on the transformative role of advanced technologies, innovative connectivity solutions, and spectrum management/regulation strategies. As DS2D communications become increasingly important in providing global connectivity, especially in remote and underserved regions, the integration of cutting-edge technologies and novel approaches offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance efficiency, reliability, and functionality of DS2D communications.

This SI endeavors to explore the foundational concepts of this emerging technology, emphasizing its great potential to bridge the digital divide and extend connectivity to underserved areas. The contributions to this SI delve into various aspects of DS2D communications, including network optimization, resource allocation, signal processing, connectivity enhancement, spectrum efficiency, and robust solution development. By combining cutting-edge research with experts' insights, this SI offers a venue for reporting comprehensive studies on the advancements in DS2D communications across multiple dimensions, paving the way for innovations that can revolutionize wireless connectivity worldwide.

Furthermore, we aim to address the challenges inherent in this topic, such as highdimensionality of satellite networks, the need for efficient spectrum utilization, seamless connectivity, and the complexities of implementing advanced technologies in space environments. This SI also examines case studies, where innovative DS2D communication solutions have been successfully implemented, illustrating tangible benefits and lessons learned.

Finally, this SI presents expert opinions on future trends and potential research directions to provide valuable insights for academia, industry professionals, and policymakers. The goal is to foster a deeper understanding of the multifaceted advancements in DS2D communications, spurring further innovation and research in this vital area. The specific topics that fit into the scope of this SI include, but are not limited to:

• Novel architectural designs for DS2D communications
• Optimized DS2D networks with machine learning models
• Innovative resource allocation strategies in DS2D networks
• Antenna/modem designs for low power consumption, minimal latency, and high reliability DS2D communications
• Signal processing techniques for DS2D communications
• Real-time applications and adaptive algorithms in DS2D systems
• Case studies in DS2D communications
• Security and privacy enhancements in DS2D networks
• Maintenance and management in DS2D systems
• Energy efficiency enhancement in DS2D networks
• Scalable DS2D systems with artificial intelligence
• DS2D communication protocols
• Future trends and enabling technologies in DS2D communications
• Policy and regulation issues in DS2D communications
• Spectrum management and utilization strategies in DS2D systems
• Integration approaches for DS2D and terrestrial networks

The manuscripts that report the results based exclusively on simulations or analysis and small scale experimental evaluations such as bench-testing and lab-testing are outside the scope of this SI. Note that the submissions dealing with traditional satellite communications without explicitly considering direct satellite-to-device (DS2D) communications will be rejected without review.

Submission Guidelines

Manuscripts should conform to the standard format as indicated in the Information for Authors section of the Manuscript Submission Guidelines. Please, check these guidelines carefully before submitting since submissions not complying with them will be administratively rejected without review.

All manuscripts to be considered for publication must be submitted by the deadline through Author Portal. Select the topic of “Direct Satellite-to-Device Communications: Technologies, Connectivity, and Spectrum Management” from the drop-down menu of Topic/Series titles. Please observe the important dates specified below.

Important Dates

Manuscript Submission Deadline: 20 March 2025 (Deadline Extended)
Decision Notification: 1 June 2025
Final Manuscript Due: 1 August 2025
Publication Date: December 2025

Guest Editors

Zheng Chang (Lead Guest Editor)
University of Jyvaskyla, Finland

Ning Zhang
University of Windsor, Canada

Jon Montalban
University of the Basque Country, Spain

Tianyang Bai
Google, USA

Hsiao-Hwa Chen
National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan