AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile plan a joint venture aimed at reducing wireless coverage gaps through satellite-based direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity and shared spectrum resources.
The operators say they have reached an agreement in principle, with launch timing tied to finalizing the agreements, satisfying closing conditions, and completing required regulatory reviews.
Satellite D2D pooling for rural and underserved coverage
The joint venture is focused on reducing wireless coverage gaps across the United States, particularly in rural and underserved areas. It is intended to pool spectrum resources and support satellite connectivity solutions designed to complement terrestrial mobile networks.
The plan also targets areas where traditional terrestrial coverage remains limited and is described as a path to nearly eliminate dead zones in areas currently lacking mobile service coverage.
Common technical specifications to simplify integration
The joint venture is intended to establish common technical specifications across the industry to simplify integration for satellite operators, device manufacturers, and mobile providers.
It is also positioned as a way to support broader device compatibility across satellite platforms, rather than treating satellite connectivity as a completely separate product line.
Resilience goals: redundancy and emergency communications
The operators emphasized that satellite connectivity can provide redundancy during natural disasters or outages affecting ground-based infrastructure.
They also said the joint venture aims to support emergency communications, tying the satellite D2D push to availability when terrestrial networks are compromised.
What happens alongside the JV
The operators said existing carrier-satellite agreements will remain in place and that each carrier will continue pursuing independent satellite connectivity initiatives alongside the joint venture.
On timing, a Verizon spokesperson said launch depends on finalizing the agreements, satisfying customary closing conditions, and completing any required regulatory reviews. The same spokesperson said the initiative is expected to create expanded provider options, improve D2D access, and support new communications technologies alongside an overall enhanced customer experience.
AST SpaceMobile backs the approach
AST SpaceMobile welcomed the announcement and said the proposed collaboration validates broader industry demand for space-based cellular broadband services.
Abel Avellan, chief executive officer at AST SpaceMobile, said he is happy to see the industry preparing to enable space-based cellular broadband connectivity to every American. He added that AST SpaceMobile plans to continue expanding its low Earth orbit satellite network and available spectrum resources.
Dell’Oro Group vice president Stefan Pongratz said the initiative reflects growing industry momentum around satellite-enabled mobile connectivity and broader ecosystem development, and that it will accelerate a scaled, multi-partner ecosystem for nationwide D2D coverage.