Europe's largest mobile groups have signalled that they want a direct stake in satellite-to-phone services rather than leaving the field to satellite companies.
The letter of intent
On 19 October 2026 Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone announced they had signed a letter of intent to explore a possible joint bid for the future allocation of Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) spectrum in Europe. They said the venture would give all mobile operators open and non-discriminatory access to offer direct-to-device (D2D) services.
The four plan to build ground network infrastructure and critical coordination and monitoring functions in Europe, but will not invest directly in a satellite constellation. That will come from a satellite partner still to be selected. The operators said the initiative does not replace their existing satellite partnerships.
The spectrum on offer
The European Parliament's research service explains that the Commission's proposal, COM(2026) 311 of 27 May 2026 (procedure 2026/0134(COD)), covers the 2 GHz MSS band at 1980–2010 MHz and 2170–2200 MHz. That is 2x30 MHz, split into six 2x5 MHz blocks:
- 2x10 MHz for sovereign use linked to IRIS²;
- up to 2x10 MHz for new EU entrants;
- up to 2x10 MHz open to any applicant.
Rights would last 20 years, renewable once. The current EU-wide rights held by Viasat and EchoStar expire in May 2027, with a possible two-year extension. The proposal is still going through the Parliament and Council.
A new competitive dynamic
The research service notes that consultancy IDATE had suggested mobile operator consortia as one possible model. Industry group Connect Europe has argued that price should be a secondary factor in the award. An operator-led bid would put the incumbents in direct competition with satellite players for scarce European spectrum, and could shape who controls the wholesale gateway to satellite coverage for every European mobile customer.
Why it matters financially
- No bid value has been disclosed. The operators gave no investment figures.
- Award terms: according to the Parliament briefing, winners would pay a one-off contribution feeding the European Competitiveness Fund plus an annual fee; no amounts have been set.
- Scale: the band totals 2x30 MHz across the EU for 20 years, renewable once, and current rights expire in May 2027. The outcome will decide whether satellite-to-phone revenue is captured by mobile operators or by satellite operators.