AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Form JV to Expand US Satellite-to-Mobile Coverage, Name CEO

AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon have formally established a joint venture aimed at expanding direct-to-device satellite connectivity across the US, following plans announced in May to pool limited spectrum resources for satellite coverage. Wireless industry veteran Paul Roth has been appointed interim CEO while the venture searches for a permanent leader.

The venture is intended to create shared technical and spectrum infrastructure that can be used by multiple satellite providers, rather than developing another satellite constellation itself. By coordinating access to nationally licensed mobile spectrum and establishing common technical specifications, the three operators aim to make it easier for satellite companies to provide D2D services to conventional mobile devices in areas without terrestrial coverage.

The companies say the platform will be technology-neutral and standards-based, with potential participation from satellite operators, rural mobile networks, handset manufacturers, operating-system providers and application developers. The approach could simplify device compatibility and reduce the amount of separate technical integration required when supporting different satellite networks and mobile operators.

Importantly, the arrangement will not replace the carriers' existing satellite partnerships. AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon will remain free to maintain their current agreements and pursue satellite connectivity independently, while the joint venture provides an additional shared framework for coverage, emergency resilience and future services.

If implemented as proposed, the JV could move the US satellite-to-mobile market towards a more interoperable model in which multiple satellite networks compete over shared or coordinated terrestrial spectrum resources, while mobile operators retain their individual customer relationships and satellite partnerships.