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Via Satellite • Rachel Jewett

Convergence Comes of Age: 2026 Turns Direct-to-Device Satellites and 3GPP NTNs into Commercial Reality

With the first commercial direct-to-device constellations scaling into service and 3GPP non‑terrestrial network standards reaching maturity, 2026 marks the year connectivity between satellites and cellular networks begins to blur. Operators and telcos will increasingly deploy integrated NTN-D2D solutions that make terrestrial versus space links functionally indistinguishable.

2026-01-16T12:11:31.570302-08:00

Via Satellite

Bipartisan Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act introduced to speed satellite licensing

2026-01-16T12:11:30.808132-08:00

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

ECJ rules airlines must refund third‑party OTA booking commissions

2026-01-16T09:14:23.985103-08:00

ch-aviation

Argentina weighs sale of 51% stake in Aerolíneas Argentinas

2026-01-16T08:11:30.062530-08:00

News Timeline

Via Satellite

Convergence Comes of Age: 2026 Turns Direct-to-Device Satellites and 3GPP NTNs into Commercial Reality With the first commercial direct-to-device constellations scaling into service and 3GPP non‑terrestrial network standards reaching maturity, 2026 marks the year connectivity between satellites and cellular networks begins to blur. Operators and telcos will increasingly deploy integrated NTN-D2D solutions that make terrestrial versus space links functionally indistinguishable.

2026-01-16T12:11:31.570302-08:00

Convergence Comes of Age: 2026 Turns Direct-to-Device Satellites and 3GPP NTNs into Commercial Reality

Via Satellite

Bipartisan Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act introduced to speed satellite licensing Senators Ted Cruz and Peter Welch introduced the bipartisan Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act to shorten federal satellite licensing timelines and deliver greater regulatory predictability. The Satellite Industry Association has endorsed the bill, saying it will strengthen the commercial satellite sector and accelerate approvals for space and ground infrastructure.

2026-01-16T12:11:30.808132-08:00

Bipartisan Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act introduced to speed satellite licensing

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

ECJ rules airlines must refund third‑party OTA booking commissions The European Court of Justice has ruled that airlines must refund third‑party online travel agency commissions to passengers when reimbursing cancelled or refunded bookings, settling a long dispute prompted by KLM passengers who booked via Opodo. The judgment requires carriers to include OTA commissions in full refund calculations.

2026-01-16T09:14:23.985103-08:00

ECJ rules airlines must refund third‑party OTA booking commissions

ch-aviation

Argentina weighs sale of 51% stake in Aerolíneas Argentinas Argentina's government is considering selling a 51% stake in state-owned Aerolíneas Argentinas, offering majority control to private investors. The announcement marks a pivotal potential shift in ownership and governance of the flag carrier and signals a new phase in Argentina's aviation policy.

2026-01-16T08:11:30.062530-08:00

Argentina weighs sale of 51% stake in Aerolíneas Argentinas

SpaceNews.com

ESA launches Zero Debris Charter, kicking off a countdown to clean orbits ESA has launched a Zero Debris Charter, initiating a coordinated effort to clean low Earth orbit and reduce collision risk. The charter establishes a timeline and commitments for member states, industry and international partners to accelerate debris mitigation and removal activities.

2026-01-16T06:11:52.712571-08:00

ESA launches Zero Debris Charter, kicking off a countdown to clean orbits

Leonard David

Vermont bill would form 10‑member UAP task force to scientifically evaluate unidentified aerial activity Vermont lawmakers have filed legislation to create a 10‑person statewide UAP task force charged with scientifically evaluating unidentified aerial activity and conducting the state’s analysis. Advocates say the measure could reduce pilot stigma—many avoid reporting sightings for fear of professional repercussions.

2026-01-16T05:53:12.688130-08:00

Vermont bill would form 10‑member UAP task force to scientifically evaluate unidentified aerial activity

FlightGlobal

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Windracers doubles ULTRA cargo drone range to 2,000 km with 200 kg payload as Mk2 production ramps Windracers says its ULTRA heavy‑lift UAS can now fly 2,000 km carrying a 200 kg (441 lb) payload, extending reach for long‑distance cargo and logistics. The UK firm plans to build more than 100 Ultra Mk2s in 2026 and is pressing regulators to approve scheduled drone cargo services.

2026-01-16T05:27:55.817925-08:00

Windracers doubles ULTRA cargo drone range to 2,000 km with 200 kg payload as Mk2 production ramps

Politico

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House stalls bipartisan bill to guarantee air-traffic controller pay during shutdowns A bipartisan, high‑profile bill to guarantee pay for FAA air‑traffic controllers during future government shutdowns has stalled in the House and may need GOP leadership to advance. Backers say the measure is intended to prevent staffing shortfalls and operational caps that crippled U.S. airports during the recent shutdown.

2026-01-16T01:51:35.905372-08:00

House stalls bipartisan bill to guarantee air-traffic controller pay during shutdowns

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Policy & Regulation News

Convergence Comes of Age: 2026 Turns Direct-to-Device Satellites and 3GPP NTNs into Commercial Reality

Bipartisan Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act introduced to speed satellite licensing

ECJ rules airlines must refund third‑party OTA booking commissions

Argentina weighs sale of 51% stake in Aerolíneas Argentinas

News Timeline