River Advisers

We noted this interesting piece from Rachel Jewett at Via Satellite discussing satellite direct-to-device (D2D) as it reaches critical mass heading into 2025. ? The article explores two fundamentally different approaches to service delivery and spectrum licencing previously examined by River Advisers: ??The MSS model – Requires modified handsets to operate with satellites using spectrum allocated to MSS (e.g. Skylo, Apple/Globalstar) ??The Mobile Spectrum (MS) model – Relies on satellites using terrestrial Mobile Spectrum to connect directly to existing mobile handsets (e.g., AST, Lynk Global), often needing MNO partner agreements. ? While the MSS model has country-by-country challenges, the MS approach hinges more widely on securing access to the spectrum. Satellite D2D operations in MS bands are currently without ITU recognition, meaning international harmonisation remains uncertain. The ITU will only begin studying the issue at WRC-27 (under AI 1.13), leaving the industry waiting... ? In the meantime, as highlighted in our Satellite Consultation Highlights of 2024 blog, several countries have gone their own way to create frameworks at national levels.?The FCC paved the way for D2D in MS spectrum with its SCS framework during 2023-24, following which other key markets—like Canada (ISED), Australia (ACMA), and the UK (Ofcom)—launched their own initiatives on the topic last year. With so much at stake, which spectrum model will win out in the long run? ? Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/4jUxey2 #Satellite #D2D #Spectrum #MSS #ITU #FCC #Regulation #WRC27

River Advisers is pleased to announce the winners of this year’s ManSat Scholarship! ? Hollie Patterson-Hannay and Patrick Williams from Ballakermeen High School will represent the Isle of Man at the 2025 United Space School in Houston, Texas from July 13-28. ? Hollie and Patrick demonstrated their passion for space exploration in their entries, and we know they will be great ambassadors for the Island as they work with students from more than 20 countries to plan a crewed mission to Mars. ? We are proud to offer this amazing opportunity for another year as part of our commitment to empowering students and promoting the next generation of space professionals.? ? For more information on our scholarship initiatives, visit: https://bit.ly/403BCBC

River Advisers will be attending this year’s Global Space Technology Convention & Exhibition (GSTCE) held by Singapore Space & Technology Ltd. in Singapore. ? From February 26-27, River Advisers' Director of Regulatory Affairs Matthew Evans will be joining some of Asia’s leading space and satellite innovators, gaining new insights from the many keynote presentations and panel discussions scheduled.? ? With emerging space technologies at the centre of igniting innovation, there is much to contribute and discuss at this year’s GSTCE as a new phase of industry growth presents itself. ? The key theme of the convention will centre on commercialising space – new frontiers in disruptive innovations and cover topics ranging from artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, smart cities, policy and exploration. ? We look forward to meeting you there!

River Advisers was in Thailand last week to deliver an ITU coordination training session to National Telecom Public Company Limited (NT). Spectrum coordination is at the heart of international satellite operations, ensuring seamless connectivity and efficient use of orbital resources. It’s a privilege to support NT in navigating the complexities of ITU processes and strengthening their capabilities in this critical area. A big thank you to the NT team for their engagement and enthusiasm, and to Finema for making this possible. Collaborating on these challenges is what makes this work so rewarding! Looking forward to the next steps! #SpectrumManagement #Satellite #ITU #Telecom #Thailand

?????????? ???????????????? ???? ???????? ???????? ???? ?????? ???????????????? ???? ?????? ????????!?? River Advisers is thrilled to support the upcoming touring artwork installation ‘Museum of The Moon’, being held at Cathedral Isle of Man from February 9th?to March 2nd. ? To share this experience with the young minds of Isle of Man, we are excited to announce that we will be sponsoring the upcoming primary school visits. ? The installation, created by UK artist Luke Jerram, has toured all over the world, allowing different regions to share their perspective on the cultural and scientific significance of the moon. ? River Advisers is dedicated to foster educational opportunities like these that inspire young people’s curiosity and encourage them to explore the wonders of space. ? To learn more, visit: https://bit.ly/40RMItI

River Advisers is thrilled to be here at SmallSat Symposium 2025 in California.??? ? Tomorrow at 1:45pm PST, Chief Technical Officer Dr. Jennifer Stone will be delivering a Tech Brief on Spectrum and Space Sustainability Policies. Be sure you don't miss out on these insights if you're attending the event! ? River Advisers will also be sponsoring tonight's SSPI-WISE networking reception from 7:00pm - 9:00pm PST, where women professionals in the space and satellite industry can meet up and make new connections. ? To register for the mixer, visit: https://bit.ly/4gr2y4n

With Alexis Martin officially becoming our CEO as of today, we asked him—alongside other key figures from within the River Group—to discuss the announcement and our ongoing mission.

River Advisers is pleased to announce Alexis Martin as our new CEO. ? Formerly our CCO, Alexis brings over twenty years of experience in supporting regulatory, policy, and spectrum matters across the satellite industry. ? Effective February 1st, this leadership change marks our continued mission to help businesses around the globe navigate regulatory complexities with ease. ? As part of this transition, former CEO Katherine Gizinski will continue to serve on the River Group Board. ? We'd like to thank Katherine for her exceptional service to the organisation and congratulate Alexis on his new role. ? Read more on this announcement here: https://bit.ly/40Tva1I

Over the past year we attended key events where we had the opportunity to share our insights and connect with the industry's leading innovators shaping the future of space and satellite technology. Early in the year, we discussed outcomes of WRC-23 at SmallSat Symposium and PTC'24. In the Spring, we joined GSOA to update the industry on the latest spectrum developments at the Avia Satellite Industry Forum in Singapore and attended CommunicAsia and SatelliteAsia. We also participated in Satellite Innovation, SATELLITE 2024 and the SSPI-WISE Hall of Fame, the Strategies in Satellite Ground Segment - Conference & Expo, and Novaspace Summits World Satellite Business Week. Our successes over 2024 culminated in our PTC Award win this week! Our team of experts were featured in renowned publications including the Financial Times, Satellite Evolution Group and SpaceNews. CEO Katherine Gizinski had the pleasure of being part of the Mission Critical: Defense Recruiting podcast, and the Federal Communications Bar Association (FCBA - The Tech Bar)'s 5th Annual Women's Summit. In 2024 we continued to provide regulatory and market access guidance to our clients, working on many exciting and?complex projects as the space and satellite industry continues to evolve rapidly. We would like to thank all the members of the River Advisers team for their hard work and dedication throughout 2024, and we look forward to continuing our support and contributions to your success in 2025!

River Advisers has been named this year's Outstanding Satellite Company at the PTC'25 Awards! This award highlights our commitment to supporting space pioneers in their goals to advance satellite technology and shape the future of global connectivity. Thank you to Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC) and our incredible team for making this possible. Congratulations to all the nominees for your outstanding contributions to the industry!