Operators Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica (owner of Vivo in Brazil), and Vodafone signed a letter of intent to explore the possibility of jointly applying for satellite communication frequencies in Europe. This initiative was announced on Tuesday (10/19).
The proposed solution could serve as an alternative to the direct-to-mobile phone services provided by Elon Musk's company, Starlink. However, a partner for providing satellites has not yet been determined, and there are no forecasts regarding launch, pricing, or a list of compatible devices.
Direct-to-device (D2D) technology allows devices supporting this technology to communicate directly with satellites without the need for an external antenna. These satellites function as telecommunication towers in space.
The goal of the proposal is to supplement the coverage of traditional networks, especially in regions with insufficient ground infrastructure. The four operators plan to establish ground infrastructure, coordination, and monitoring in Europe, but they do not intend to invest directly in creating the satellite constellation.
The model also provides open access for other operators. Among the tasks are protecting critical communications and increasing network resilience to failures. Mobile phone compatibility will depend on the chosen solution and the frequencies used.
Currently, this letter is only a preparatory stage for studying the issue. The publication The Verge presents this project as a European response to Starlink's direct connection to mobile phones, managed by SpaceX. The operators' initiative aims to strengthen European control over critical communication infrastructure.
A regulatory discussion is also underway in the European Union. In May, the European Commission presented a proposal for selecting providers of satellite mobile communication services in the 2 GHz band. According to this plan, one-third of the spectrum will be reserved for governmental, military, and security services communications, while the remaining portion will be divided equally between new EU providers and a portion open to companies outside the bloc.
In Brazil, there are separate projects for direct connection between satellites and mobile phones. The agency Anatel extended the experimental authorization for Telefônica Brasil to use this technology until April 2029. Furthermore, Tecnoblog reported conducting tests with the 'Vivo Starlink' network identification and negotiations with Elon Musk's company.
Claro conducted tests with Lynk Global in the 850 MHz band in San Luis (MA), including sending SMS and voice calls. The experiment used unmodified devices: Moto G4 Plus, Galaxy S22, and iPhone 13.