US wireless carriers name Paul Roth interim CEO for satellite connectivity venture
XLC•AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon appointed wireless industry veteran Paul Roth interim CEO of their joint venture to expand satellite-enabled mobile coverage and end nearly all U.S. mobile dead zones.
1. Roth named interim CEO
AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon appointed Paul Roth interim chief executive of their new joint venture, which was first announced in May. The companies said it aims to expand coverage in underserved U.S. areas and end nearly all mobile dead zones.
2. Satellite connectivity plans
The venture also aims to provide redundant connectivity during natural disasters and improve network performance using direct-to-device satellite technology. Analysts have suggested it could be defensive as SpaceX develops plans to make Starlink a full-fledged mobile service.
3. SpaceX competition
SpaceX acquired 65 megahertz of wireless spectrum from EchoStar for $19.6 billion through two deals announced last year. Under its partnership with T-Mobile, SpaceX uses Starlink satellites to provide direct-to-cell connectivity for compatible smartphones outside traditional cell coverage.
