Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica, Vodafone Mull Joint Bid for European Mobile Satellite Services Spectrum

MT Newswires · 3d ago
06:04 AM EDT, 10/19/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Deutsche Telekom (DTE.F), Orange (ORA.PA), Telefónica (TEF.MC), and Vodafone Group (VOD.L) agreed to explore a joint bid for mobile satellite services spectrum in Europe. The four telecom operators signed a letter of intent for the initiative, which aims to expand direct-to-device satellite connectivity in underserved areas, protect critical communications, and make public networks more resilient, according to a Monday release. Under the collaboration, the partners will develop ground network infrastructure and oversee coordination and monitoring in Europe, with no plans to invest directly in a satellite constellation.