Phones straight to satellites: four telecom giants weigh joint bid for spectrum

Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, Orange and Telefónica have signed a letter of intent to explore a joint bid for mobile satellite service (MSS) spectrum in Europe. The aim is to accelerate so-called direct-to-device services, in which a smartphone connects directly to a satellite. According to dpa, the frequencies are expected to become available in 2029 and are currently used, for example, for in-flight internet.

The four groups do not intend to invest in a satellite constellation themselves; a satellite partner has not yet been chosen. Ground infrastructure and coordination and monitoring functions are to be based in Europe. Other mobile operators are to get open and non-discriminatory access. The goals are coverage in poorly served areas, more resilient networks and the protection of critical communications. Investment, ownership structure and timetable were not disclosed.

Brussels has opened the competition for these frequencies to non-European players such as Starlink and Amazon as well, trade site Telesatellite reported. In Germany, according to the Federal Network Agency's June figures, 1.2 percent of the country's area has no 2G coverage from Telekom, 1.7 percent from Vodafone and 1.6 percent from O2. The operators' existing satellite partnerships are not affected.