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New joint venture between AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon in the US reflects industry momentum around satellite-enabled mobile connectivity and broader ecosystem development, reckon analysts.
In sum – what to know:
Shared D2D push – AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile plan a joint venture aimed at reducing coverage gaps through satellite-based direct-to-device connectivity and shared spectrum resources.
Ecosystem expansion – Dell’Oro said the initiative could accelerate a broader nationwide D2D ecosystem while improving economics for carriers and satellite operators.
Satellite industry backing – AST SpaceMobile welcomed the announcement, positioning itself as a potential enabler of future space-based cellular broadband expansion.
U.S. carriers AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile’s proposed joint venture to expand satellite-based direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity could mark a broader shift toward a more coordinated U.S. satellite ecosystem, according to analyst commentary following the announcement.
The three operators said they have reached an agreement in principle to create a joint venture focused on reducing wireless coverage gaps across the United States, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The initiative would pool spectrum resources and support satellite-based D2D services designed to complement terrestrial mobile networks.
Stefan Pongratz, vice president at Dell’Oro Group, told RCR Wireless News that the initiative reflects growing industry momentum around satellite-enabled mobile connectivity and broader ecosystem development. “The JV will accelerate a scaled, multi-partner ecosystem for nationwide D2D coverage, expanding capacity for U.S. consumers and creating new commercial opportunities for satellite providers and carriers alike,” Pongratz said.
The announcement comes as mobile operators increasingly position satellite connectivity as an extension of existing wireless infrastructure rather than a standalone replacement for terrestrial networks. A Verizon spokesperson told RCR Wireless News that timing of the launch will depend on “finalizing the agreements, satisfying customary closing conditions, and completing any required regulatory reviews.”
The spokesperson added that the initiative is expected to create “expanded provider options,” improve D2D access and support “new communications technologies and overall enhanced customer experience.”
According to the operators, the JV aims to improve connectivity in areas where traditional terrestrial coverage remains limited, while also supporting emergency communications, and broader device compatibility across satellite platforms.
The companies said the initiative would help “nearly eliminate dead zones” in areas currently lacking mobile service coverage. They also emphasized the role of satellite connectivity in providing redundancy during natural disasters or outages affecting ground-based infrastructure.
The JV is also intended to establish common technical specifications across the industry, simplifying integration for satellite operators, device manufacturers and mobile providers. The operators said existing carrier-satellite agreements will remain in place and that each carrier will continue pursuing independent satellite connectivity initiatives alongside the JV.
The announcement also drew support from satellite provider AST SpaceMobile, which said the proposed collaboration validates broader industry demand for space-based cellular broadband services. “AST SpaceMobile is happy to see how the industry is preparing to enable space-based cellular broadband connectivity to every American,” said Abel Avellan, chief executive officer at AST SpaceMobil.
Avellan added that the company plans to continue expanding its low Earth orbit satellite network and available spectrum resources.