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Four of Europe’s biggest telecommunications operators, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefonica and Vodafone, have signed a letter of intent to explore a joint bid for mobile satellite spectrum in Europe, aiming to expand coverage and develop a European-led alternative to Elon Musk’s Starlink.
The initiative would integrate satellite services with existing mobile networks to extend connectivity to underserved areas and allow compatible devices to connect directly to satellites, according to a joint statement on Monday.
Under the proposed model, mobile network operators across Europe would have open and nondiscriminatory access to the service, with the aim of fostering competition, reducing market fragmentation and expanding consumer choice.
The four companies would establish ground-based network infrastructure in Europe, along with essential coordination and monitoring functions, without investing directly in a satellite constellation. A satellite partner, which has yet to be selected, would provide the constellation.
By pooling their customer reach, network capabilities and operational expertise, the operators aim to accelerate deployment and improve spectrum efficiency while integrating satellite connectivity into existing mobile networks.
The project supports the European Commission’s ambition to strengthen Europe’s sovereignty, security and resilience in critical connectivity infrastructure, according to the companies.
It also aims to reinforce public networks, protect critical communications and support the development of a European satellite constellation. The letter of intent does not replace the operators’ existing satellite partnerships.
Starlink’s satellite-to-mobile technology allows compatible smartphones to connect directly to satellites rather than relying entirely on ground-based mobile towers.
The technology can help fill coverage gaps in remote areas and maintain communications when terrestrial networks are unavailable, although service capabilities depend on the satellite system, spectrum and device compatibility.
The European Union’s plans to reshape access to satellite spectrum have sparked a dispute with SpaceX, Starlink’s operator. In May 2026, the European Commission proposed a new authorization framework for the 2 GHz mobile satellite services band, whose existing licenses expire in May 2027.
The proposal seeks to reserve part of the spectrum for European-controlled operators while leaving another portion open to European and non-European companies.
SpaceX has pushed back against the proposal, warning that restricting access to the band could limit the rollout of direct-to-device services and create interference risks for communications, including emergency services in Ukraine, where Starlink has played a critical role since the start of the war with Russia.
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