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

- Source: The Verge
- Published: 2026-10-19T14:24:42+00:00
- Category: Tech
- Original: https://www.theverge.com/policy/1013680/european-mobile-carriers-mobile-satellite-starlink
- Canonical: https://groundlevelnews.com/story/major-european-mobile-carriers-are-teaming-up-for-a-direct-satellite-p-5ff380/

Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica, and Vodafone signed a letter of intent 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: The joint initiative

_Ground Level News shows a short summary only; the full article and all rights belong to The Verge._