Telefónica, Vodafone, Orange and Deutsche Telekom have signed a letter of intent to study a possible joint bid for the future allocation of spectrum for mobile satellite services (MSS) in Europe. The initiative seeks to promote a satellite connectivity model that complements land mobile networks and contributes to strengthening European technological autonomy.
The proposal supports the European Commission’s objective of strengthening Europe’s sovereignty, security and resilience in the field of critical connectivity infrastructure. It also aims to guarantee responsible European governance of key space infrastructures, a strategic aspect for the development of mobile satellite services on the continent.
The project contemplates offering all mobile network operators open and non-discriminatory access to provide Direct-to-Device (D2D) services, which allow devices to be directly connected to satellites. This model would facilitate the incorporation of mobile satellite services into operators’ offerings, encourage competition, reduce market fragmentation and expand the options available to European consumers.
By combining their commercial reach, network capabilities and operational experience, the four groups believe they could accelerate the introduction of these services to the market. The collaboration would also allow efficient use of the radio spectrum and facilitate the integration of mobile satellite services into existing mobile networks, with the aim of offering a more uniform connectivity experience.
Demand for universal coverage
The joint initiative of Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone has a clear ambition: to respond to the demand for universal coverage in underserved areas, strengthen the resilience of public networks, protect critical communications and contribute to the development of a European constellation. In this context, mobile satellite services could play a relevant role in improving connectivity in rural, remote areas or areas with difficulties in having land coverage.
Alliance between mobile operators and future satellite partner would combine European governance and market access
As part of the project, the four operators plan to deploy key land infrastructure in Europe, in addition to assuming critical coordination and oversight functions. In this way, they would participate in the development of the mobile satellite services ecosystem without the need to invest directly in a satellite constellation. This space infrastructure would be provided by a satellite partner that is still pending selection.
Terrestrial networks and space connectivity
The alliance between mobile operators and the future satellite partner would combine European governance and market access with proven space technology and deployment experience. The collaboration aims to lay the foundations for extending mobile satellite services through a model that integrates the capabilities of terrestrial networks with space connectivity.
The letter of intent between the companies involved constitutes, therefore, a first step to explore a possible joint participation in the future allocation of MSS spectrum. The agreement does not replace the satellite alliances that the four operators already maintain, but rather opens a new avenue of collaboration to promote mobile satellite services in Europe.
