European Telecom Giants Explore Joint Satellite Connectivity Bid
(MENAFN) Four major European telecommunications companies are considering a joint bid for mobile satellite spectrum to expand connectivity across Europe and potentially offer an alternative to services such as Elon Musk’s Starlink.
Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefonica and Vodafone signed a letter of intent to evaluate a possible joint bid for the future allocation of mobile satellite services spectrum in Europe, the companies announced Monday.
The proposed initiative seeks to extend direct-to-device connectivity by combining satellite services with existing mobile networks, particularly in areas where conventional coverage remains limited.
The companies said the framework would allow all mobile network operators to access the service on open and non-discriminatory terms, with the aim of supporting competition and providing consumers with more connectivity options.
Under the proposed arrangement, the four telecommunications groups would develop ground-based network infrastructure in Europe and oversee essential coordination and monitoring functions. They would not directly invest in building or operating a satellite constellation.
Instead, a satellite partner, which has not yet been chosen, would supply the constellation required to deliver the service.
The operators said pooling their customer bases, network capabilities and technical expertise could speed up deployment while improving the efficient use of spectrum resources.
The project is also intended to strengthen the resilience of public communications networks, safeguard critical connectivity infrastructure and support the development of a European satellite constellation.
According to the companies, the initiative supports the European Commission’s broader objectives of reinforcing Europe’s sovereignty, security and resilience in strategically important connectivity infrastructure.
Although the announcement did not explicitly identify Starlink as a target, the proposal places emphasis on European oversight and the development of space-based infrastructure under European governance.
The four companies also stressed that signing the letter of intent would not replace or interfere with their existing satellite partnerships.
Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefonica and Vodafone signed a letter of intent to evaluate a possible joint bid for the future allocation of mobile satellite services spectrum in Europe, the companies announced Monday.
The proposed initiative seeks to extend direct-to-device connectivity by combining satellite services with existing mobile networks, particularly in areas where conventional coverage remains limited.
The companies said the framework would allow all mobile network operators to access the service on open and non-discriminatory terms, with the aim of supporting competition and providing consumers with more connectivity options.
Under the proposed arrangement, the four telecommunications groups would develop ground-based network infrastructure in Europe and oversee essential coordination and monitoring functions. They would not directly invest in building or operating a satellite constellation.
Instead, a satellite partner, which has not yet been chosen, would supply the constellation required to deliver the service.
The operators said pooling their customer bases, network capabilities and technical expertise could speed up deployment while improving the efficient use of spectrum resources.
The project is also intended to strengthen the resilience of public communications networks, safeguard critical connectivity infrastructure and support the development of a European satellite constellation.
According to the companies, the initiative supports the European Commission’s broader objectives of reinforcing Europe’s sovereignty, security and resilience in strategically important connectivity infrastructure.
Although the announcement did not explicitly identify Starlink as a target, the proposal places emphasis on European oversight and the development of space-based infrastructure under European governance.
The four companies also stressed that signing the letter of intent would not replace or interfere with their existing satellite partnerships.
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