Vodafone joins European plan for mobile satellite spectrum

Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom, Orange and Telefónica have signed a letter of intent to explore a joint bid for future European Mobile Satellite Services spectrum, the operators announced on 19 October 2026.

The proposed service would use direct-to-device technology, allowing satellites to connect with compatible everyday mobile phones where conventional terrestrial coverage is unavailable. The group says the project could extend coverage in underserved areas, support critical communications and improve the resilience of public networks.

However, this is not yet a joint venture, spectrum award or confirmed consumer service. The operators have not named a satellite partner, set a launch date, disclosed pricing or confirmed which phones would work with the eventual service.

A European spectrum play, not a satellite fleet

The plan centres on future access to the EU’s harmonised 2 GHz Mobile Satellite Services band. The European Commission proposed a new EU-level authorisation process in May, ahead of current national authorisations expiring in May 2027.

The relevant spectrum includes 1,980–2,010 MHz for Earth-to-space communications and 2,170–2,200 MHz for space-to-Earth links. The Commission says the band is suitable for direct-to-device services and could make cross-border satellite coverage easier to run across EU member states.

The four operators say they would build ground-network infrastructure in Europe, including coordination and monitoring functions, and integrate it with existing mobile networks. They do not plan to invest directly in a satellite constellation; an as-yet-unselected satellite partner would supply that part.

What it means for the UK

The announcement is separate from the UK’s already developing satellite-to-phone market. Virgin Media O2 launched O2 Satellite, powered by Starlink Direct to Cell, in February 2026. It added messaging and selected data services in areas outside normal coverage for compatible Samsung Galaxy S25-series phones, priced at £3 per month as a Pay Monthly bolt-on at launch.

VodafoneThree is also pursuing direct-to-device coverage using AST SpaceMobile satellites. It said in March that customer trials would begin in summer 2026 and that its planned service would support data, voice and SMS. A full commercial launch, retail price, supported-device list and coverage map have not been confirmed.

Vodafone also has an existing European venture with AST SpaceMobile, Satellite Connect Europe, which is developing ground stations including sites in the UK and Spain. That venture remains separate from the new four-operator letter of intent.

Why it matters

For buyers, the immediate choice remains limited: O2 has a live satellite data service, while VodafoneThree’s wider voice, text and data ambitions are still at the trial stage. The new European proposal signals that major networks want satellite connectivity to become part of ordinary mobile coverage rather than a Starlink-only proposition, but there is no confirmed UK retail offering from this arrangement yet.