AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile Form JV to Pool Spectrum for Direct-to-Device Satellites
AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile agreed to form a joint venture pooling their spectrum resources to deploy direct-to-device satellite technology targeting rural and underserved U.S. areas aimed at eliminating wireless dead zones. Existing Starlink, AST SpaceMobile and Amazon LEO agreements remain intact while carriers retain control over service pricing and packaging.
1. Joint Venture Formation
On May 14, AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon agreed in principle to establish a joint venture pooling their spectrum resources to deploy direct-to-device satellite services aimed at eradicating wireless dead zones in rural and underserved regions across the U.S.
2. Direct-to-Device Satellite Network
The venture will leverage orbiting satellites to route connections directly to consumer devices instead of ground towers, providing seamless coverage along highways, national parks, maritime routes and during natural disasters when terrestrial networks fail.
3. Impact on Existing Deals and Pricing
All existing satellite agreements — including T-Mobile’s Starlink deal, AT&T and Verizon’s AST SpaceMobile arrangement, plus Verizon’s Amazon LEO and Skylo contracts — will continue independently, with each carrier maintaining full control over service pricing and packaging.
4. Closing Conditions and Regulatory Outlook
The JV still requires execution of definitive contracts and customary closing conditions, with carriers expecting regulatory reviews and final approvals before commercial rollout, potentially lowering barriers for additional satellite operators to join.