Major European mobile carriers are teaming up for a ‘direct’ satellite program without Starlink

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1. 1h ago

   European Carriers Team Up for Satellite Program to Rival Starlink

   Four major European mobile operators have signed a letter of intent to explore a joint bid for mobile satellite spectrum, aiming to build a direct-to-device competitor to SpaceX's Starlink. Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica, and Vodafone are backing the initiative to strengthen Europe's connectivity sovereignty, security, and resilience. The collaborative effort seeks to ensure responsible European governance of critical space infrastructure, provide open access for all mobile network operators, and reduce market fragmentation while expanding consumer choice across the continent.

   Why it matters

   Direct-to-device satellite services allow cellular phones to maintain a signal in remote areas without terrestrial towers, a sector currently dominated by Elon Musk's Starlink. The move by Europe's top telecoms comes in the wake of a Ukraine internet slowdown and aligns with the European Commission's goals for regional technological independence. Securing dedicated satellite spectrum is a crucial battleground for carriers looking to offer seamless connectivity without relying on outside US technology providers.

   What is confirmed

   • Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica, and Vodafone have signed a letter of intent to explore a potential joint bid for the future allocation of Mobile Satellite Services spectrum in Europe.
   • The initiative aims to support the European Commission's ambition to strengthen Europe's sovereignty, security, and resilience in critical connectivity infrastructure.
   • The plan is designed to provide all Mobile Network Operators with open and non-discriminatory access to offer direct-to-device services to their customers.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The carriers are partnering with an unannounced satellite operator to deliver the direct-to-device services.
   • AST SpaceMobile is advancing space-based cellular broadband in Europe in collaboration with European mobile network operator partners.

   What to watch next

   • Formal announcements regarding the identity of the satellite operator partner
   • Official filings or announcements concerning the joint spectrum auction bids
   Sources used for this update (13)

   1. Business Wire — AST SpaceMobile Advances Space-Based Cellular Broadband in Europe in Collaboration with European Mobile Network Operator Partners
   2. Reuters — European telecom groups mull bid for mobile satellite spectrum
   3. The Verge — Major European mobile carriers are teaming up for a ‘direct’ satellite program without Starlink
   4. Financial Times — European telecoms groups join forces to challenge Elon Musk’s Starlink
   5. Light Reading — Europe's big telcos explore joint satellite spectrum bid to rival Starlink
   6. The Telegraph — Europe’s telecoms take on Starlink after Ukraine internet slowdown
   7. gnnhd.tv — GM promises smarter cars, faster updates, and autonomous dry-cleaning runs
   8. www.theverge.com — Major European mobile carriers are teaming up for a ‘direct ...
   9. www.techradar.com — Europe’s major mobile operators are teaming up to develop a ...
   10. rocketnews.com — Major European mobile carriers are teaming up for a ‘direct ...
   11. www.techspot.com — Europe's four largest carriers want to build a Starlink rival ...
   12. www.toisthe.com — Europe’s Top Carriers vs Starlink: The Satellite Spectrum ...
   confidence 95%