Major European mobile carriers are considering a coordinated effort to build direct-to-device satellite mobile coverage as an alternative to SpaceX’s Starlink. Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone have signed a letter of intent to explore a joint bid focused on securing mobile satellite spectrum that would enable such a service.
The carriers say they would take responsibility for the ground infrastructure, while the satellite constellation would come from a separate satellite partner that has not been named. Outlets report that the companies are still in the early stages, with the satellite partner not chosen and the scope of the bid not finalized. The initiative is presented as a way to develop European competition in direct satellite connectivity, including the possibility of using a partner’s constellation under a coordinated commercial and infrastructure plan.
