GoKawiilDeutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica, Vodafone eye joint satellite spectrum bid
The four largest European mobile carriers have signed a letter of intent to jointly pursue Mobile Satellite Services spectrum for direct-to-device connectivity. Rather than building their own satellite constellation, they plan to construct ground infrastructure and coordination systems while partnering with an as-yet-unnamed satellite operator. The companies say the service would be open to other operators on equal terms and aims to extend coverage to underserved areas.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The move reflects Europe's broader effort to reduce dependence on US technology providers, particularly Elon Musk's Starlink, which already offers direct-to-phone satellite service through partners like T-Mobile and O2. With the European Commission considering reserving satellite spectrum for European operators, and SpaceX recently winning FCC approval for thousands of new Starlink Mobile satellites, the carriers' initiative could be read as a defensive bid to secure spectrum and infrastructure before US rivals dominate the market further.
- Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica, and Vodafone signed a letter of intent for a joint satellite spectrum bid.
- The carriers would build ground infrastructure but rely on an external partner for satellites, which has not yet been chosen.
- The initiative comes as the European Commission considers reserving 2 GHz satellite spectrum for European operators.
Source: techspot.com — Rob Thubron, 2026-10-20
Published there as: “Europe's four largest carriers want to build a Starlink rival, but they don't have satellites”
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