Four leading European mobile operators have signed a letter of intent to pursue a joint spectrum bid aimed at developing a direct-to-device satellite service, positioning themselves as competitors to SpaceX’s Starlink by leveraging European infrastructure and partnerships.
- Joint bid to acquire spectrum for satellite services across Europe
- Operators to manage ground infrastructure, satellite constellation by partner
- Supports EU goals of network resilience and improved coverage
What happened
Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica, and Vodafone have signed a letter of intent to collaborate on a direct-to-device satellite service project. They plan to submit a joint bid for spectrum enabling satellite connectivity that can directly reach mobile devices, without reliance on Starlink’s infrastructure. The four operators will focus on developing and managing the essential ground network infrastructure.
The satellite constellation itself will be provided by a yet-to-be-named partner specializing in satellite technology. This partnership aims to combine European network governance and access with the proven capabilities of an experienced satellite operator, signaling a strategic move toward establishing a European alternative in the satellite internet market.
Why it matters
This initiative is significant because it addresses the demand for better coverage in underserved and rural areas across Europe, aiming to enhance the resilience of public communications networks. By controlling ground infrastructure and partnering with a satellite provider, the operators retain control over critical connectivity components and European regulatory compliance.
The project also reflects broader geopolitical and market dynamics, as seen by the EU's consideration of reserving spectrum for local satellite providers. It directly challenges SpaceX’s dominant Starlink in the direct-to-device satellite sector, reinforcing Europe’s ambitions for digital sovereignty and improved critical communications capabilities.
What to watch next
Key developments to monitor include the selection of the satellite constellation partner and the outcome of the spectrum bidding process. The coordination between the telecom operators and satellite providers will be crucial to delivering seamless service that lives up to customer expectations, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
Additionally, regulatory decisions in the EU regarding spectrum allocation and competitive frameworks will shape the feasibility and pace of this initiative. The project’s progress will also influence competitive responses from existing providers like Starlink and could spur similar collaborations or regulatory shifts in other regions.