Major European mobile carriers are teaming up for a ‘direct’ satellite program without Starlink

<figure> <img alt="The European Union flag against a blue backdrop." data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="Image: The Verge" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/STK450_EU_E.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telef&oacute;nica, and Vodafone <a href="https://www.telekom.com/en/newsroom/latest-updates/news/2026/10/deutsche-telekom-orange-telefonica-und-vodafone-haben-eine-abs" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.telekom.com/en/newsroom/latest-updates/news/2026/10/deutsche-telekom-orange-telefonica-und-vodafone-haben-eine-abs">signed a letter of intent</a> saying they're considering a joint bid for spectrum that would support European direct-to-device satellite competition for SpaceX's Starlink. The four telecom companies say they would handle the ground infrastructure while a separate, unannounced satellite partner provides the satellite constellation:</p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The joint initiative by Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telef&oacute;nica and Vodafone has a clear ambition: to meet customer demand for universal coverage in underserved areas, strengthen the resilience of public networks, protect critical communications, and support the develop …</p></blockquote> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/policy/1013680/european-mobile-carriers-mobile-satellite-starlink">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>