Four European carriers consider joint satellite bid

Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone have signed a letter of intent to consider a joint bid for spectrum that could support direct-to-device satellite services in Europe. The proposal would create a competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink, but the carriers have not announced a satellite partner.

The four operators say they would build ground network infrastructure and handle coordination and monitoring functions in Europe. They do not plan to invest directly in a satellite constellation; a partner yet to be selected would provide it.

The companies say the initiative aims to extend coverage in underserved areas, strengthen public network resilience, protect critical communications and support a European satellite constellation. They describe the arrangement as combining European governance and market access with satellite technology and deployment expertise.

In the United States, AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon announced a collaboration earlier this year to combine spectrum in rural areas and dead zones. In May, the EU said it was considering reserving part of the 2 GHz band for local companies to offer satellite services. SpaceX criticized that idea, saying it could worsen service in Ukraine, according to the Financial Times.