European carriers explore satellite service to compete with Starlink

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 15:57 · Archive

Four major European mobile operators are considering a joint bid for satellite spectrum to compete with Starlink's coverage.

Four major European mobile operators—Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone—have signed a letter of intent to jointly explore a bid for spectrum to support direct-to-device satellite services in Europe. The companies say they want to compete with Starlink, which has partnerships with carriers across the US and UK. The operators plan to establish ground network infrastructure across Europe but will not build their own satellite constellation. Instead, they are seeking an unannounced satellite partner to provide the technology and deployment expertise.

The joint initiative aims to meet demand for universal coverage in underserved areas, strengthen network resilience and support critical communications. The four carriers say they would combine European governance and market access with proven satellite technology. This follows a similar announcement by AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon in the US, who said they would collaborate on spectrum in rural areas and dead zones to increase capacity and help satellite providers reach more customers. The European effort comes as the EU has considered reserving part of the 2 GHz band for local companies to offer satellite services, an idea SpaceX has opposed, claiming it would worsen service in Ukraine.

How it is being reported

• Vodafone, Orange, and others eye European Starlink alternativeStarlink might soon have some European competition if the continent's carriers get their way.TechRadar · 19 Oct, 15:44
• Major European mobile carriers are teaming up for a ‘direct’ satellite program without StarlinkDeutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica, and Vodafone signed a letter of intent saying they're considering a joint bid for spectrum that would support European direct-to-device satellite competition for SpaceX's Starlink. The four telecom companies say they would handle the ground infrastructure while a separate, unannounced satellite partner provides the satellite constellation: The joint initiative by Deutsche […]The Verge · 19 Oct, 15:24

In this story: Deutsche Telekom · Orange · Telefónica · Vodafone · Starlink · SpaceX · Europe

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