September 10, 2026, 9:33 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Mobile service without cell towers? That’s exactly what four of Europe’s largest network operators are reportedly working on. A planned satellite service aims to connect smartphones even outside traditional mobile networks.
Europe’s Mobile Operators Forge Joint Plans
Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Vodafone, and Telefónica are in talks about forming a joint satellite consortium. Bloomberg reports this citing insiders. The goal is a service that enables calls, SMS, and mobile data even where no mobile network is available.
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The direct connection with standard smartphones is intended to eliminate the need for additional hardware. This would allow users to remain reachable even in remote areas, such as rural regions, during outdoor activities, or in emergencies. At the same time, such an offering would create a European alternative to existing satellite services.
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New Frequencies Pave the Way
A key trigger for the plans is the upcoming reallocation of satellite frequencies in the European Union. The current licenses for the 2-gigahertz spectrum expire in May 2027. Subsequently, the European Commission plans to redistribute the frequencies.
Three equally sized areas are planned. One-third is to be reserved for the European government constellation IRIS². Another third is intended for companies that are majority-controlled by Europeans. The planned consortium is targeting this area. The remaining portion will be open to all interested parties, including companies from the U.S.
Starlink is a Competitor and Potential Partner
Starlink is already a provider developing satellite communication directly for smartphones. SpaceX is working with Deutsche Telekom, among others, for this purpose. However, without its own European frequency rights, the company cannot independently offer the service in Europe.
The discussions among the four mobile operators are still in an early stage. There are also challenges. Vodafone operates a joint venture with the Texas-based company AST SpaceMobile, which could pose a problem with the EU’s requirements for European majority control. Additionally, the necessary infrastructure in space is still lacking. The European satellite constellation IRIS² is not expected to be operational until 2029. Until then, companies may have to rely on capacities from providers like Starlink.