Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone explore EU spectrum bid for direct-to-smartphone service to reduce reliance on U.S. satellite providers

Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone are exploring a joint bid for European Union satellite spectrum to provide direct-to-smartphone connectivity, the Financial Times reported. The four are described as Europe’s biggest telecom operators.

The initiative aims to reduce Europe’s dependence on U.S. satellite providers amid growing transatlantic tensions. The companies would build ground infrastructure and partner with an existing satellite operator rather than launch satellites of their own.