Four major European telecom operators discuss forming a consortium to bid on satellite spectrums.
The group includes Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefonica, and Vodafone, aiming to enhance Europe’s satellite communication autonomy.
The EU plans to reserve airwaves for local operators, challenging the existing dominance of SpaceX’s Starlink.
The proposal is in early stages, following the EU’s recent policy shift toward satellite service provision.
SpaceX has expressed concerns over regulatory changes that could affect service availability in Europe.

Four of Europe’s leading telecom operators are reportedly in discussions to create a consortium aimed at challenging the current dominance of satellite communications held primarily by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Deutsche Telekom (Germany), Orange (France), Telefonica (Spain), and Vodafone (UK) are considering a joint bid for satellite spectrums as part of an initiative by the European Union to bolster local operators’ capacity to provide direct-to-mobile services across the continent.

This move emerges at a pivotal moment, as the EU plans to set aside a substantial portion of the 2GHz frequency band, previously allocated to mobile satellite service providers, set to expire in 2027. The upcoming regulatory framework stipulates that one-third of this band will be reserved for government use, while the remaining two-thirds will facilitate commercial operations aimed at providing direct-to-device connectivity. This policy aims to promote European sovereignty in satellite communications, particularly as European regulators seek to lessen dependence on external entities like SpaceX.

Currently, SpaceX’s Starlink has a significant foothold in Europe, offering satellite broadband services to millions. However, concerns surrounding SpaceX’s existing partnership with Deutsche Telekom have arisen, particularly regarding its ability to maintain independent operations within the EU. The recent proposals by the European Commission have met with pushback from SpaceX, as the company argues that the new rules could create severe coverage gaps for European consumers.

The discussions among the telecom giants come on the heels of their previous collaboration in establishing an equal-partnership ad-tech joint venture in 2023. This consortium could serve to pool resources and expertise in leveraging satellite technology, potentially challenging SpaceX’s supremacy in the European market.

Moreover, Vodafone’s recent venture with AST SpaceMobile aims to deliver direct-to-device satellite broadband services, demonstrating the competitive landscape that is rapidly evolving. With these developments, European telecom operators are actively seeking routes to harness the satellite communication potential that has been largely dominated by American tech giants.

In promoting local solutions, the emerging consortium could play a significant role in enhancing service availability and reliability for European consumers, ultimately fostering a more competitive market. With the regulatory landscape shifting and traditional players adapting, the upcoming bid represents not just a business initiative, but a broader effort to ensure that Europe’s communication capabilities are bolstered against external competition.

In a related fact, the global satellite internet market is projected to reach $68.77 billion by 2029, highlighting the growing importance of enhancing communication networks and regulations in the context of increasingly interconnected global dynamics.

For more on the evolving satellite communications landscape, visit Silicon Republic.