Summary
Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone signed a letter of intent to explore a joint bid for future Mobile Satellite Services spectrum in Europe. Their proposed model would connect satellite services with mobile networks and provide open access for mobile operators.
Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone signed a letter of intent on 19 October 2026 to explore a potential joint bid for future Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) spectrum in Europe. The companies say the initiative could support Direct-to-Device (D2D) services, in which compatible devices connect to satellites, as part of mobile-network offerings. The agreement is an exploratory step, not a confirmed spectrum bid or service launch.
A shared approach to satellite connectivity
The four operators propose combining their customer reach, network capabilities and operational experience to help integrate satellite connectivity with existing mobile networks. Their stated aim is to make D2D services available to all mobile network operators through open, non-discriminatory access, with the goal of encouraging competition and giving consumers more choice.
MSS spectrum refers to radio frequencies used for mobile satellite communications. D2D links can potentially extend connectivity beyond the reach of terrestrial mobile sites; the operators describe serving underserved areas and strengthening public-network resilience as objectives of the initiative.
The companies also say they plan to establish ground-network infrastructure in Europe, alongside coordination and monitoring functions. They would not invest directly in a satellite constellation. Instead, a satellite partner—still to be selected—would provide the satellite system and deployment expertise.
What the letter of intent sets in motion
The companies frame the proposal as a way to support European governance of critical connectivity infrastructure and the development of a European constellation. Their plan is to explore a joint bid for a future allocation of MSS spectrum, while pairing the operators’ market access and ground infrastructure with a satellite partner’s technology.
For now, the development is a framework for examining that approach. The letter of intent does not replace the operators’ existing satellite partnerships. Its central next steps are the exploration of a potential spectrum bid and the selection of a satellite partner.