European Operators Weighing Consortium for Satellite-to-Mobile Spectrum - Bloomberg

Europe’s largest mobile operators are in early talks to form a consortium to bid for EU satellite spectrum and develop direct-to-mobile services - according to a report from Bloomberg.

Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Vodafone and Telefónica are said to be discussing a joint approach to spectrum linked to Europe’s satellite-to-mobile ambitions, although no final decision has been made on either the consortium or a future bid.

The group would reportedly target part of the 2GHz spectrum that the EU has proposed reserving for a European operator. The plan forms part of a wider policy push to strengthen sovereign satellite communications capability and reduce reliance on non-European technology providers.

The discussions follow the European Commission’s proposal to allocate the bulk of valuable mobile satellite spectrum to European companies, while limiting the share available to US and other non-EU operators. The framework is intended to support domestic satellite connectivity players while still allowing some international participation.

The spectrum is linked to IRIS², the EU’s sovereign multi-orbit satellite programme led by the European Commission and the SpaceRISE consortium of SES, Eutelsat and Hispasat. IRIS² is being positioned as Europe’s strategic response to Starlink, supporting secure government connectivity, resilience and future commercial satellite services.

A joint bid from the major mobile operators would be significant because it would bring Europe’s largest terrestrial network owners directly into the satellite-to-mobile framework. Rather than leaving direct-to-device connectivity solely to satellite operators, the move could help MNOs retain control of customer relationships, service integration and spectrum strategy.