Four European Carriers Weigh Joint Bid for Satellite Spectrum

Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone have agreed to examine a joint bid for European satellite spectrum, aiming to connect compatible phones in places beyond terrestrial mobile coverage.

The four operators signed a letter of intent on Oct. 19. Under the proposed arrangement, they plan to establish ground infrastructure in Europe, along with coordination and monitoring functions. A satellite partner still to be chosen would provide the constellation.

The carriers intend to make any resulting service available to other mobile operators for their customers. Their agreement covers a potential bid; the group has not been awarded spectrum or launched a service.

Deutsche Telekom’s separate arrangement with Starlink remains in place. It targets an early 2028 satellite-to-phone rollout in several European markets using Starlink’s mobile satellite spectrum. The joint initiative also leaves existing satellite partnerships in place.

The European Commission has proposed a new selection process for use of the 2 GHz mobile satellite band beyond May 2027, when existing rights expire. The proposal awaits a European Parliament committee decision.