{
  "id": 15608292,
  "title": "Satelliten-Internet: Europas Mobilfunker greifen nach Weltraum-Frequenzen",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/satelliten-internet-europas-mobilfunker-greifen-nach-weltraum",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-19T13:13:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Handelsblatt",
    "slug": "handelsblatt",
    "url": "https://www.handelsblatt.com/technik/it-internet/satelliten-internet-europas-mobilfunker-greifen-nach-weltraum-frequenzen/100263248.html"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "Four major telecommunications providers in Europe – Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, Telefónica and Orange – have joined forces to compete for specific radio frequencies that would allow mobile connectivity via satellite. They signed an understanding outlining their intentions. These frequencies are set to become available around 2029, previously used for flight internet. The aim is to provide comprehensive coverage, even in sparsely populated areas, enhance mobile network resilience, protect critical communications, and support the development of a European satellite constellation. The collaboration seeks to secure Europe's independent position in the realm of space infrastructure. Ground-based central infrastructure and crucial coordination and control functions are planned to be established within Europe. Direct-to-device (D2D) services will be offered to mobile users, enabling direct connections to satellites in space. While most smartphones currently lack this D2D functionality, its availability in mass markets is expected in subsequent years. The focus is on addressing \"black spots\" – regions where even the outdated 2G network is unavailable. Mobile users often encounter these gaps, especially while traveling in Europe. Handsets switch to satellite connectivity when they can no longer connect to the nearest cell tower. The identity of the satellite operator remains unclear, but it is likely not US-based SpaceX, as the plan centers on European sovereignty. Several questions remain open, but it is clear that the goal is not to enable high-resolution video streaming or visually demanding smartphone games in remote locations. Instead, the aim is to provide a minimum level of digital data connections. D2D satellite internet should not be confused with traditional satellite internet, where users require an antenna on their house, boat or camper van, through which devices connect to the internet via an intermediate antenna. This joint endeavor reflects Europe's telecommunications industry's push for digital sovereignty, distancing itself from US dominance in the internet world. The move addresses growing concerns about the influence of US tech giants and the unclear extent to which the US may wield technological supremacy for political purposes.",
  "summary": "Deutschlands Handynetze werden immer besser, die Unternehmen investieren Milliarden. Doch mancherorts bleibt der Mobilfunk eine Schwachstelle. Nun blicken Netzbetreiber nach oben.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}