Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone will assess a joint bid for European mobile-satellite spectrum, a move that could extend coverage in underserved areas and support integration with mobile networks.
The four signed a letter of intent on Oct. 19 to examine a possible shared bid. The letter starts an assessment; it does not commit the operators to file a final application. They described the proposed service as a potential direct-to-device offering.
The companies said satellite links could work alongside existing mobile networks, with supporting ground infrastructure built in Europe. They said the service would be open to mobile operators on equal terms and could give consumers more options. The operators also identified underserved areas as a target and said the initiative could strengthen the resilience of public networks.
The group plans to establish ground infrastructure but has not selected a satellite partner. The companies do not plan to fund a satellite constellation themselves, and they did not disclose expected project costs.
Anadolu Agency reported that the effort could emerge as a European challenger to SpaceX’s Starlink. That was the agency’s assessment; the operators’ announcement did not identify Starlink as a target or name a supplier.
The European Commission proposed an EU-wide authorization process for mobile satellite services on May 27, 2026, covering the harmonized 2 GHz band. The process is intended to let providers offer services across national borders. The proposal would replace the 2008 allocation framework as current spectrum rights expire in May 2027. The authorization plan remains a proposal, not an adopted rule.
The rights in question stem from a 2009 selection. Under the Commission’s proposed rules, whichever entity holds the spectrum rights would pay an initial contribution and annual fees. That would place those payments on the rights holder, while the four telecom companies have not stated a project cost for their planned ground infrastructure.
The operators have not given a timetable for deciding whether to pursue a bid or for choosing a satellite partner.
