4 of Europe’s biggest mobile networks plan their own satellite phone service
Key Points
- Four of Europe’s biggest mobile operators signed a Letter of Intent on satellite spectrum.
- The group wants to offer direct-to-device signal to ordinary smartphones.
- All mobile networks would get open access to the service.
- The operators will build ground infrastructure while a partner supplies the satellites.
- Vodafone and O2 owner Telefónica both operate in the UK.
Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone plan a joint bid for spectrum to beam mobile signal from space.
The four operators announced the plan in a joint statement after signing a Letter of Intent to explore a bid for future Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) spectrum in Europe.
Deutsche Telekom has more than 273 million mobile customers, Telefónica serves over 299.8 million customers and Vodafone has around 370 million mobile and broadband customers.
The partners want to use the spectrum to roll out direct-to-device (D2D) services across Europe. D2D technology connects ordinary smartphones directly to satellites, which gives users a signal in areas without mobile masts.
The group said its model would give all mobile network operators open and non-discriminatory access to offer D2D services, not just the four partners.
It added that this approach would foster competition, reduce market fragmentation and expand consumer choice across Europe.
Ground network built in Europe
The four operators plan to build key ground network infrastructure in Europe, along with critical coordination and monitoring functions.
They will not invest directly in a satellite constellation, however. A satellite partner, which the group has yet to select, will provide that part of the service.
The operators said the partnership would combine European governance and market access with proven satellite technology and deployment expertise.
They said the initiative aims to deliver universal coverage in underserved areas, strengthen the resilience of public networks and protect critical communications.
The group added that the plan supports the European Commission’s push to strengthen Europe’s sovereignty, security and resilience in critical connectivity infrastructure.
Europe’s sovereignty, security and resilience in critical connectivity infrastructure.
Two of the four operate in the UK
Telefónica named the UK as one of its four key markets, and it co-owns O2 through its Virgin Media O2 joint venture with Liberty Global.
Vodafone operates in the UK through VodafoneThree, its merged business with Three. Vodafone said it is already developing its own direct-to-mobile satellite service to connect areas without coverage.
The four operators said the Letter of Intent does not replace any of their existing satellite partnerships.