Major European mobile carriers are teaming up for a 'direct' satellite program without Starlink
News Source
β’2026-10-19T10:24:42-04:00
π° What Happened
Four big European phone companies have signed a letter of intent to work together on satellite service for phones. They are Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefonica and Vodafone.
The group may bid jointly for spectrum, the radio frequencies the service needs. The companies would build and run the ground network in Europe, while a satellite partner still to be chosen supplies the spacecraft.
π The Backstory
The plan is a direct answer to SpaceX's Starlink, which already links some phones to satellites. European firms and regulators want a home-grown option instead of relying on one US company.
In May the EU said it was considering saving part of the 2 GHz band for local satellite operators. SpaceX criticised that idea, saying it could hurt service in Ukraine.
π― Why It Matters
Satellite links can keep phones working in dead zones and disasters. Who owns that network affects price and control.
Four big European phone companies have signed a letter of intent to work together on satellite service for phones. They are Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefonica and Vodafone.
The group may bid jointly for spectrum, the radio frequencies the service needs. The companies would build and run the ground network in Europe, while a satellite partner still to be chosen supplies the spacecraft.
The plan is a direct answer to SpaceX's Starlink, which already links some phones to satellites. European firms and regulators want a home-grown option instead of relying on one US company.
In May the EU said it was considering saving part of the 2 GHz band for local satellite operators. SpaceX criticised that idea, saying it could hurt service in Ukraine.
Satellite links can keep phones working in dead zones and disasters. Who owns that network affects price and control.