AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon agreed in principle to create a direct-to-device (D2D) satellite joint venture to address coverage dead zones in the US, targeting D2D satellite services to fill gaps in coverage.
The plan is built around two commercial-mechanics moves: the carriers intend to pool spectrum, and they intend to create a unified platform meant to standardize interconnection between satellite operators and terrestrial mobile networks. The companies also said that, through combined investment by the three JV partners, provider options will expand and, as a first step, D2D access will improve. u201cThrough combined investment by the three JV partners, provider options will expand, and, as a first step, D2D access will improve,u201d they said in the press release.
While the JV is aimed at making it easier to bring satellite connectivity solutions to cellular dead zones across any carrier and satellite operator, the companies said their existing satellite relationships would remain in place and their independent connectivity efforts would continue. The JV is also intended to provide resilient backup connectivity in the case of national emergencies, but the report notes that plenty of details are still lacking about the proposed joint venture.