Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone sign letter of intent for joint satellite bid to rival Starlink

Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone signed a letter of intent on Monday to explore a joint bid for the future allocation of mobile satellite spectrum in Europe, aiming to deliver direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity integrated with their existing mobile networks. The four companies plan to establish key ground network infrastructure plus coordination and monitoring functions in Europe, but will not invest directly in a satellite constellation — that will be provided by a satellite partner yet to be selected. They said the letter of intent does not replace their existing satellite partnerships, per a Reuters report.

The aim is to meet customer demand for universal coverage in underserved areas, strengthen the resilience of public networks and protect critical communications. Bloomberg Law reported the four operators are exploring the bid as a European-led alternative to Elon Musk’s Starlink, increasing sovereign satellite capabilities in Europe. The Verge quoted the joint statement: the initiative has “a clear ambition: 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.”

The bid lines up behind the European Commission’s proposal of 27 May 2026 to authorise and allocate the harmonised 2 GHz mobile satellite services band at EU level — one-third reserved for governmental use, one-third for EU-only commercial operators and one-third open to all qualified applicants. The current 2 GHz authorisations, held by Viasat and EchoStar, expire in May 2027, Light Reading reported.

Bloomberg had earlier reported the four carriers were in talks, and Monday’s letter of intent is the first formal step. The move mirrors the AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile direct-to-device satellite joint venture in the US, formalised on 1 October with Paul Roth named interim CEO — covered on Flip News on 3 October.