AT&T Inc., T-Mobile US Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. have entered into a joint venture agreement to ensure that satellite functionality is available to mobile phone users. This is reported in a joint press release of the companies.
Three key American mobile operators have decided to combine developments in the field of satellite communications and radio frequency spectra to integrate additional services into terrestrial mobile networks and expand wireless access in the so-called "dead zones" with limited service.
T-Mobile previously teamed up with SpaceX's Starlink satellite service to fill gaps in the ground network, while AT&T and Verizon entered into a similar agreement with AST SpaceMobile Inc. In addition, Verizon is partnering with Amazon Leo and Skylo to make these capabilities commercially available.
The three-way partnership will help simplify the development of direct connection technology for satellite providers instead of solutions for each individual operator. According to the agreement, the companies will "develop industry specifications to ensure more convenient interaction with customers and satellite operators." At the same time, all individual commercial agreements will remain in force.
Direct-to-device technology, which allows satellites (rather than cell towers) to connect directly to consumer devices, is under development. In particular, Starlink provides emergency communication services and WhatsApp voice calls to T-Mobile customers, and Amazon.com Inc. is acquiring satellite operator Globalstar Inc. for $11.6 billion and plans to enter the direct device communications market in 2028. AST aims to put 45 more satellites into orbit and begin commercial operation of the network.
AT&T Inc. is an American multinational telecom operator. AT&T is the third largest telecommunications company in the world by revenue ($125.6 billion), the third largest wireless carrier in the United States, and the largest fiber-optic Internet provider. The headquarters is located in Dallas, Texas.
T-Mobile US, Inc. is an American wireless carrier. The company provides wireless voice and data services in the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The headquarters is located in Bellevue, Washington.
Verizon Communications Inc. is an American telecommunications company with headquarters in New York (USA).
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