Vodafone, Orange, and others eye European Starlink alternative

Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefonica, and Vodafone have formed a letter of intent to consider the creation of a European satellite constellation to potentially serve as an alternative to Starlink. This could help the networks fill coverage gaps in areas where ground-based infrastructure is not present. However, the partners still require a satellite partner to bring this plan to fruition.

Starlink, which is exploring its own mobile ambitions and seeks to challenge conventional carriers such as Verizon and T-Mobile in the US, may face competition from this European alternative. Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefonica, and Vodafone have all expressed their interest in jointly bidding for the future spectrum allocation for Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) in Europe.

This satellite-based connectivity service aims to enhance coverage in regions not served by traditional ground-based infrastructure. At present, this European initiative is merely an exploration phase, and nothing is set in stone. Even if these carriers establish the necessary spectrum allocation, they would still need to build a ground network infrastructure and secure a satellite constellation.

While the partners plan to "support the development of a European constellation," they do not intend to develop the constellation themselves. Instead, they are searching for a satellite partner. As such, the prospect of a European Starlink alternative emerging in the near future is unlikely. Nonetheless, this initiative may be a sensible move, considering Europe's ongoing efforts to reduce its dependence on US services.