• Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Vodafone, and Telefónica are reportedly discussing a joint bid for EU 2GHz satellite spectrum
  • The European Commission has proposed reserving part of the band for European commercial operators when current authorisations expire in May 2027

The fact

Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Vodafone and Telefónica are reportedly in early talks about forming a consortium to bid for European Union satellite spectrum. The spectrum could be used for direct-to-device services that connect ordinary mobile phones through satellites when terrestrial coverage is unavailable. No final decision has been made on either the consortium or a bid.

The discussions come as the EU prepares a new framework for the 2GHz mobile satellite services band. The European Commission has proposed dividing the spectrum into three parts: one for government and critical communications, one reserved for EU commercial operators, and one open to both European and non-European providers.

The proposal would replace the current arrangement after authorisations held by Viasat and EchoStar expire in May 2027. The new framework still needs to complete the EU legislative process before new spectrum rights can be awarded.

The assessment

If the four operators bid together, satellite spectrum could become a shared resource across telecom groups that normally run separate national networks. That would give them a more direct role in deciding how satellite-to-phone capacity is used, rather than relying entirely on a third-party satellite provider.

Spectrum alone, however, does not create a working service. The operators would still need satellite capacity, ground infrastructure, and links into their mobile networks. They would also have to agree how investment and capacity are divided between the four groups.

For BTW readers, the important question is whether the talks move beyond a spectrum bid. A formal consortium, a satellite partner and a deployment plan would show whether the operators are preparing to build a shared service rather than simply securing access to frequencies.

What to watch

Watch for the four operators to formally establish a consortium and confirm whether they will enter the EU spectrum process. The EU also needs to finalise its licensing framework. A spectrum award, named satellite partner and deployment timetable would show when the proposal starts moving towards an operating service.