Four major European operators agreed to pool efforts to pursue satellite spectrum that would let standard phones connect from orbit. They are weighing a combined offer for a slice of airwaves the European Union has floated reserving for a regional provider, with the stated goal of strengthening sovereign satellite capacity.
Under the EU's proposal for the 2 GHz band, one third would go to local companies and another third would be set aside solely for critical communications. Today, Viasat and EchoStar hold licenses tied to this spectrum, and those licenses are set to lapse in 2027.
The move tracks with a similar alignment in the US involving AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile US, arriving as SpaceX progresses toward a competing mobile service built on its Starlink constellation. Direct-to-mobile service, where signals deliver texts, data and calls straight to handsets from orbit, is currently led by Starlink.
The EU has signaled it wants to reduce reliance on US providers for strategic technologies, and new satellite access rules would cover this direct-to-mobile segment.
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The four operators would handle ground infrastructure and the operating system, then bring in a still-to-be-selected satellite partner. The plan is to enhance their own coverage and also offer wholesale service.
Vodafone previously set up a joint venture with AST SpaceMobile for direct-to-mobile, and the companies said any joint bid would not displace existing satellite partnerships.
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