European operators weigh joint satellite bid to counter Starlink

Europe's four largest mobile operators are discussing forming a consortium to jointly bid for satellite frequencies Brussels will reallocate, aiming to launch their own direct-to-device service and counter Starlink's expansion in the European market. The service enables ordinary smartphones to connect directly with low-orbit satellites without special terminals, covering areas with no network. Starlink already operates over 650 dedicated satellites, with T-Mobile in the US and Deutsche Telekom planning European launches by 2028. The consortium targets the middle third of the 2 GHz spectrum, reserved for European-majority-owned commercial operators, which SpaceX contests. However, the operators have conflicting ties: Deutsche Telekom is a Starlink client, and three are partnered with US firm AST SpaceMobile, complicating a sovereign European pitch. Discussions remain preliminary, with no decisions made, and SpaceX likely to deliver satellite-enabled smartphones before Europe reaches agreement.