US — The Verge
Major European mobile carriers are teaming up for a ‘direct’ satellite program without Starlink
Space2 min read
Four big European phone companies say they are considering a joint bid for radio airwaves (spectrum) to build a satellite phone service that could compete with SpaceX's Starlink. A satellite partner has not been chosen yet.
What happened
Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica, and Vodafone signed a letter of intent. This is a document that says they plan to work together, but it is not a final deal. They are thinking about bidding jointly for spectrum. Spectrum is the set of radio frequencies that phones and satellites use to send signals. The four companies would build the ground parts of the network. A separate satellite company, not yet named, would supply the satellites.
Key facts
- Four companies are involved: Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica, and Vodafone.
- The companies will build ground infrastructure and coordination and monitoring tools in Europe.
- They will not spend money directly on building a satellite group (called a constellation).
- The satellite partner is still to be selected.
- The EU is considering reserving some of the 2 GHz band for local companies to offer satellite services.
Why they are doing this
Direct-to-device satellite service means your phone can connect straight to a satellite, with no special dish needed. This helps people in areas with no mobile signal. In the US, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon also announced a joint plan this year to share spectrum in rural areas and dead zones. SpaceX has criticized an EU plan to reserve some airwaves for local firms. It says this would hurt service in Ukraine.
Why it matters
Starlink is a leader in satellite internet, and it works with phone companies in some places. This plan shows that Europe wants its own options. The companies say the goal is to reach more customers, cover remote areas, and keep important communications working during emergencies. If the plan succeeds, Europe could rely less on one American company for this service.
What to watch
- Which satellite company the four carriers choose as their partner.
- Whether the four companies make a final bid for the spectrum.
- How the EU decides on reserving part of the 2 GHz band for local firms.
- How SpaceX responds to the EU plan and the new European partnership.
Glossary
- Starlink
- SpaceX's satellite internet service that uses a large group of satellites in low orbit.
- SpaceX
- A US space company that builds rockets and the Starlink satellite network.
- spectrum
- The radio frequencies that phones, TVs, and satellites use to send signals. Governments often sell rights to use them.
- constellation
- A large group of satellites that work together to cover the Earth.
- letter of intent
- A signed document that shows parties plan to work together. It is not a final contract.