GoKawiilEdgar Cervantes / Android Authority
TL;DR AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon plan to form a joint venture focused on direct-to-device satellite connectivity.
The goal is to reduce US dead zones and improve backup connectivity during emergencies or natural disasters.
The plan is still only an agreement in principle, with no confirmed launch timeline yet.
We’re required to nail our colors to the mast when it comes to our carrier, but when you’re off grid and struggling to get any reception, you probably don’t care which provider helps you get connected. For all the talk of nationwide coverage, dead zones are still very much a thing, and now AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon are planning a rare team-up to tackle the issue.
Have you used satellite connectivity on your phone? 219 votes Yes, it worked well 11 % Yes, it worked okay 9 % Yes, but it was a bad experience 7 % No, but I'd like to try it 63 % No, and I'm not interested in it 10 %
The three biggest US carriers have announced an agreement in principle to form a new joint venture focused on direct-to-device satellite connectivity. The aim is to make it easier for your phone to stay connected in places where traditional cell towers don’t reach, especially rural and underserved parts of the US.
Don’t want to miss the best from Android Authority? Set us as a favorite source in Google Discover to never miss our latest exclusive reports, expert analysis, and much more.
to never miss our latest exclusive reports, expert analysis, and much more. You can also set us as a preferred source in Google Search by clicking the button below.
According to Verizon’s announcement, the joint venture would pool limited spectrum resources and create a unified platform to help satellite providers reach more customers. The companies say that should improve capacity and give customers a simpler experience when regular mobile networks aren’t available. If it goes to plan, the goal will be to “nearly eliminate” dead zones in the US, reach previously unserved and underserved areas, and provide backup connectivity during emergencies or natural disasters when ground-based networks are unavailable.
... continue reading