The operators seek to reduce regional dependence on U.S. and Chinese technology providers amid rising transatlantic tensions and a desire to maintain control over customer data. Shares of AST SpaceMobile rose 4% in pre-market trading following reports that its BlueBird network will support the joint effort. The venture comes as Europe's Eutelsat has struggled to match the capacity and scale of Starlink's network.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Europe's Top 4 Carriers Form Consortium to End Starlink Reliance
Tech1 day ago
Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica, and Vodafone are bidding for European Union satellite spectrum to launch a direct-to-device mobile service for more than 500 million subscribers. The entities have formed a consortium to develop space-based cellular connectivity, opting to build ground infrastructure and collaborate with an existing satellite provider rather than launching their own fleet of satellites. The initiative specifically targets the establishment of a domestic alternative to SpaceX's Starlink.
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