Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone to explore joint bid for satellite spectrum

Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone have agreed to explore a joint bid for spectrum for mobile satellite services in Europe. The spectrum would be used for direct-to-device services. The four network operators made the initiative public on Monday, 19 October 2026. Reuters and The Verge both reported the announcement.

How the plan would work

According to The Verge, the four operators signed a letter of intent about the possible joint bid. The Verge reported that they plan to set up key ground network infrastructure in Europe, along with critical coordination and monitoring functions. They do not plan to invest directly in a satellite constellation, according to The Verge.

The constellation would instead come from a satellite partner. That partner has not yet been selected, The Verge reported. According to The Verge, the partnership would combine European governance and market access with proven satellite technology and deployment expertise.

The Verge listed the initiative's stated aims. They are to meet customer demand for universal coverage in underserved areas, strengthen the resilience of public networks, protect critical communications and support the development of a European constellation.

Context

The Verge described the program as potential European competition for SpaceX's Starlink in direct-to-device satellite services. A headline from Anadolu Agency also said it could potentially rival Starlink.

Similar efforts exist elsewhere. Earlier in 2026, AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon announced a collaboration in the United States that would combine spectrum in rural areas and dead zones, according to The Verge. The Verge quoted their announcement as describing the aim "to increase capacity, improve the customer experience, and help satellite providers reach more customers through a unified platform."

In May, the EU said it was considering reserving part of the 2 GHz band for local companies to offer satellite services, The Verge reported, citing the Financial Times.

What each side says

• The four operators: They would handle the ground infrastructure. A separate satellite partner, not yet announced, would provide the constellation (according to The Verge).
• SpaceX: It criticized the EU idea of reserving part of the 2 GHz band for local companies. It said the move would worsen service in Ukraine (according to The Verge, citing the Financial Times).

What the reports do not include

The reports reviewed by Vocemundi do not identify the satellite partner or say how or when it will be chosen. They do not include financial terms, investment amounts or an ownership structure. They do not say which frequency band the bid targets, when the EU allocation will take place, or how it will work. They do not say whether the EU has decided on the 2 GHz proposal. They do not include a response from SpaceX or Starlink to this initiative. They do not describe a timeline for a formal bid or a service launch. The accounts reviewed appear to rest on the operators' own statement.

Analysis

The initiative is at an early stage. The operators have announced an intention to explore a bid, not a bid itself. Much depends on factors the reports do not settle: which satellite partner is chosen, which spectrum is offered, and how the EU designs any allocation. If the EU reserves spectrum for local companies, operator-led groups like this one could benefit. Critics such as SpaceX may continue to argue against such rules. Another scenario is that the plan changes or stalls before a formal bid. The outcome may shape competition, coverage in remote areas and network resilience in Europe.

Produced by the Vocemundi newsroom with AI assistance.