Summary
AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon have entered a joint-venture agreement to expand satellite-enabled mobile connectivity in underserved parts of the United States. The companies named Paul Roth interim CEO while they search for a permanent chief executive.
AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon have entered into a joint-venture agreement to expand satellite-enabled mobile connectivity in parts of the United States where traditional service is limited. In their October 1, 2026 announcement, the companies named wireless industry executive Paul Roth interim CEO while they search for a permanent chief executive.
The venture is intended to complement, not replace, terrestrial mobile networks. Its partners say it will make satellite services easier to deliver across providers and help extend connectivity into areas with coverage gaps. These are the joint venture’s stated aims; the announcement does not describe a customer service rollout.
A shared approach to satellite links
The companies say the venture follows a May announcement that they would pool limited spectrum resources to help expand satellite coverage. Spectrum is the radio-frequency capacity used to carry wireless communications; coordinating its use can be important when satellite and mobile networks are intended to serve compatible devices.
One stated early priority is improving direct-to-device, or D2D, access. In D2D service, a satellite communicates directly with a user device rather than relying on a nearby terrestrial cell site for that wireless link. The joint venture says a common technical approach could make access more consistent across providers and help device makers, operating-system providers and app developers build for satellite networks. The release does not specify the technical configuration or which devices would be supported.
The companies also say the venture will work with rural mobile network operators to help them bring new products to customers. They describe the planned platform as technology-neutral, with the aim of using different solutions for different coverage needs and giving more satellite providers a chance to compete.
Existing mobile and satellite arrangements continue
The announcement presents satellite connectivity as an additional option where ground-based coverage is limited or disrupted, including during extreme natural disasters. AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon say their existing carrier-satellite agreements will remain in place, and that each partner can continue its connectivity efforts independently.
Roth will serve as interim CEO, and the joint venture’s board will include representatives from each of its three founding companies. The release sets out intended benefits including fewer coverage gaps, emergency redundancy and more consistent access across providers. It does not give a timetable for when customers will see service changes.