Today’s telecom news includes announcements on T-Mobile, Eutelsat, SpaceX’s Starlink, SK Telecom, among others.
T-Mobile to launch satellite-based data service
T-Mobile will launch its satellite-based data service, powered by SpaceX’s Starlink, on October 1, following the commercial rollout of its T-Satellite service on July 23. The initial launch will support SMS, MMS, and short audio messaging, with data capabilities coming later to enable app use over satellite.
Since the beta launch in late 2024, over 1.8 million customers have signed up, including many from rival carriers AT&T and Verizon. Supported by more than 657 Starlink satellites, the service aims to eliminate mobile dead zones and expand coverage across over 500,000 square miles in the U.S. unreachable by traditional cell towers. Much of the user interest surged after T-Mobile’s Super Bowl advertisement.
France Boosts Eutelsat Stake to Accelerate Satellite-5G Expansion
France will increase its stake in Eutelsat from 13.6 percent to 29.99 percent through a €1.35 billion capital raise. The move is part of a plan to support Eutelsat’s strategy following its merger with OneWeb. The French state will invest €717 million in the first tranche. The capital will help Eutelsat address a €4 billion financing gap and reduce its debt ratio to between 2.5- and 3-times EBITDA.
Other shareholders, including Bharti, CMA CGM, and the UK government, will also participate, though the UK’s stake will fall from 11 percent to 7.9 percent. France plans to shift its Eutelsat holdings under the APE agency for tighter oversight.
Eutelsat is expanding its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network through OneWeb. The company recently completed a satellite-to-smartphone 5G connectivity test using standard handsets. It also plans to invest in the EU’s Iris2 constellation project, which integrates satellite and terrestrial network infrastructure.
SK Telecom Increases Subsidies Amid Subscriber Loss and SIM Shortage
SK Telecom raised device subsidies for the Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max to retain subscribers. The company also increased dealer incentives for users porting numbers from other carriers. These actions followed the loss of 352,000 subscribers due to a data breach and a SIM card shortage that disrupted new customer sign-ups at over 2,600 stores starting May 5. SK has replaced SIM cards for 4.17 million customers, while 4.82 million are still pending.
KT, a competitor, had already increased subsidies for the Galaxy S25 before SK Telecom’s move.
The telecom industry is adopting new measures to maintain service and customer base. SK Telecom is using remote SIM updates to avoid physical replacements. The company is expanding its AI and cloud services, with increased revenue from its AI business units. SK Telecom also operates the world’s first 5G roaming service and is enhancing system security in response to recent incidents.
TelecomLead.com News Desk