Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone have signed a Letter of Intent to explore a joint bid for future EU satellite spectrum. The goal is direct-to-device (D2D) satellite service. That would let their mobile customers get coverage in areas the ground network doesn’t reach.
The letter is non-binding and exploratory. There is no satellite partner, price, launch date or phone list yet. Nothing changes on your phone today.
What the four carriers’ satellite spectrum bid covers
The spectrum in question is for Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) in Europe, to be allocated in the future. In their joint release, the companies list four aims.
- Coverage: meet demand for universal coverage in underserved areas.
- Resilience: strengthen public networks.
- Critical communications: protect them.
- A European constellation: support its development.
The release also ties the plan to the European Commission’s push for sovereignty and security in critical connectivity infrastructure.
The carriers won’t build the satellites
The four would set up ground network infrastructure in Europe. They would also run the coordination and monitoring functions. They would not invest directly in a satellite constellation.
That part would come from a satellite partner that, per the release, is still to be selected. The letter doesn’t replace any existing satellite partnerships these carriers already have.
The operators said the setup would give all mobile network operators “open and non-discriminatory access” to offer D2D services to their own customers. That is the carriers’ stated aim, not a guarantee.
Why the incumbents are moving now
Bloomberg reported early talks among the four on September 7. This letter is the first official confirmation.
The context is competition. Starlink is pushing into satellite-to-phone service, including a deal for 800MHz spectrum. SpaceX has also said Starlink Mobile will compete directly with carriers.
Put plainly, four of Europe’s largest operators are positioning together for EU satellite spectrum ahead of Starlink. The open-access promise is theirs to keep, and nothing in a non-binding letter enforces it.
What it means for your phone
For now, very little. According to TelecomLead, the operators have not disclosed investment, ownership, pricing or a deployment timetable. The release doesn’t mention which phones would work with the service.
The next steps depend on how the EU runs its future MSS spectrum allocation. If you’re on one of these networks in Europe, this could eventually mean satellite coverage in dead zones from your existing carrier. Don’t expect it soon, and don’t assume your current phone will support it.
Sources: Orange Newsroom, TelecomLead
