Four of Europe’s leading telecom operators — Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone — have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to explore a joint bid for Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) spectrum in Europe, aiming to accelerate Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite connectivity, improve mobile coverage and strengthen Europe’s digital sovereignty.
The proposed collaboration could create a common European framework for satellite-to-smartphone connectivity, enabling mobile network operators to extend services beyond conventional terrestrial network coverage.
The initiative aligns with the European Commission’s ambitions to strengthen the security, resilience and independence of Europe’s critical communications infrastructure.
Four European Telecom Operators Target Joint MSS Spectrum Allocation
Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone intend to explore a coordinated approach to future European MSS spectrum allocation rather than pursuing separate spectrum strategies under this initiative.
The proposed arrangement would support a satellite connectivity platform accessible to mobile operators across Europe, potentially reducing fragmentation in the emerging D2D market.
A central feature is the commitment to open and non-discriminatory access, allowing mobile network operators beyond the four founding companies to offer satellite-enabled services to their subscribers.
The operators believe their combined customer reach, terrestrial network infrastructure and operational expertise could support faster deployment and more efficient utilization of satellite spectrum.
The initiative could also help establish common technical and commercial arrangements for integrating satellite communications into existing mobile services.
Direct-to-Device Satellite Connectivity to Address Mobile Coverage Gaps
Direct-to-Device technology enables compatible mobile devices to communicate with satellites when terrestrial mobile coverage is unavailable.
The four operators want to use this capability to address several connectivity requirements, including rural coverage, remote-area communications, emergency connectivity and network resilience.
Potential applications include:
Extending mobile connectivity into rural and underserved European regions.
Maintaining communications when terrestrial networks are disrupted by natural disasters or infrastructure failures.
Supporting emergency services and critical public communications.
Enabling satellite connectivity through existing mobile operator customer relationships.
Providing additional coverage options without building conventional mobile towers in every remote location.
The development is particularly relevant as telecom operators explore ways to combine terrestrial 4G and 5G infrastructure with satellite networks.
The initiative could strengthen Europe’s emerging satellite-to-smartphone connectivity market, although the scope of commercial services will depend on spectrum allocation, satellite capabilities, device compatibility and regulatory approvals.
European Satellite Partnership Will Not Require Operators to Build a Constellation
An important element of the proposed business model is that the four telecom operators do not intend to invest directly in developing a satellite constellation.
Instead, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone plan to establish essential ground infrastructure and coordination capabilities in Europe.
A satellite technology partner, which has not yet been selected, would provide the space-based infrastructure.
| Responsibility | Proposed arrangement |
| MSS spectrum | Potential joint bid by four telecom operators |
| Satellite constellation | External satellite partner |
| Ground network infrastructure | Established through the operator initiative |
| Coordination and monitoring | Critical functions based in Europe |
| D2D service distribution | Open access for European mobile operators |
| Satellite constellation investment | No direct investment planned by the four operators |
This structure would allow the operators to concentrate on network integration, customer access and service delivery while relying on a specialist satellite provider for satellite deployment and operations.
It could also reduce the need for each mobile operator to negotiate and implement a completely independent satellite connectivity architecture.
However, the partners have not disclosed the project’s expected investment, ownership structure, commercial pricing or deployment timetable.
European Digital Sovereignty and Network Security Drive Collaboration
The proposed partnership places significant emphasis on European governance of satellite communications infrastructure.
The operators intend to establish critical ground network facilities, coordination systems and monitoring functions within Europe.
This approach is designed to support European oversight of important connectivity infrastructure while using the technical expertise of a satellite partner.
The initiative also supports the European Commission’s objective of strengthening strategic autonomy in communications and space infrastructure.
Satellite services are becoming increasingly important to Europe’s digital connectivity and infrastructure strategy, particularly where terrestrial network expansion is technically challenging or economically unattractive.
For European telecom operators, satellite connectivity could become an additional layer of network resilience rather than a replacement for terrestrial mobile infrastructure.
Open-Access Model Could Reshape Competition in Europe’s D2D Market
The four operators are proposing a model under which other mobile network operators could obtain access to satellite connectivity services on open and non-discriminatory terms.
This is a potentially important distinction from satellite partnerships negotiated exclusively between individual mobile operators and satellite providers.
A shared approach could help smaller mobile operators introduce satellite services without independently developing complex space-network integration capabilities.
It could also create opportunities for greater interoperability and more consistent customer experiences across European markets.
The initiative aims to promote competition and consumer choice while reducing fragmentation in satellite connectivity arrangements.
Nevertheless, the commercial implications will depend on how access charges, technical interfaces, service availability and network integration responsibilities are ultimately defined.
Existing Satellite Partnerships Will Continue
Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone have clarified that the new Letter of Intent does not replace their existing satellite partnerships.
This means the proposed joint MSS spectrum initiative would be developed alongside satellite arrangements already established by individual operators.
The companies have not announced any termination or restructuring of existing satellite agreements as part of the initiative.
The proposed collaboration remains exploratory. The operators have not confirmed that a joint spectrum bid will be submitted, nor have they identified the satellite partner that would support the platform.
The next stages will depend on Europe’s future MSS spectrum allocation process and the operators’ ability to agree on a commercial and technical framework.
What the Satellite Spectrum Initiative Means for European Telecom Operators
The proposed collaboration highlights the growing importance of non-terrestrial networks in 5G and future mobile connectivity.
For Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone, the initiative offers a potential route to integrate satellite coverage with existing mobile services while avoiding direct investment in building a satellite constellation.
