Europe's major telecommunications companies in satellite partnership talks
Europe's leading mobile operators are considering forming a consortium to provide satellite services directly to mobile phones and enter a spectrum auction.
Europe's largest mobile operators—Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Vodafone Group, and Telefonica—are holding early-stage talks to form a consortium to participate in a satellite spectrum auction and provide services directly to mobile phones.
Background of the Talks
Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Vodafone Group, and Telefonica are holding initial talks to establish a joint consortium. This initiative serves as a response to the European Union's satellite spectrum plans.
The European Union's Spectrum Plan
The group of operators aims to jointly bid for a portion of the 2 gigahertz frequency airwaves that the European Union has proposed to allocate to a local operator. This plan intends to increase the continent's sovereign satellite capabilities.
Companies' Approach and Current Status
According to a Bloomberg report, no definitive decision has yet been reached regarding the consortium or bidding plans. While Vodafone and Orange declined to comment on the matter, Deutsche Telekom and Telefonica did not immediately respond to inquiries.
An Alternative Move Against Starlink
This potential initiative would create a European rival to Elon Musk's Starlink service and align with the European Union's strategy to establish its own sovereign satellite communications infrastructure.