AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile Form Satellite Joint Venture

The top three wireless service providers in the US are teaming up to eliminate coverage dead zones. AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile are forming a joint venture that will involve satellites. The announcement is light on specifics.

AT&T has outlined some of the intended outcomes of the joint venture. The company says it will accelerate American leadership in next-generation direct-to-device (D2D) communications. This will be done by using satellite-based technologies to address coverage gaps. The focus is especially on unserved and underserved communities.

Additionally, the joint venture will expand customer choice. This expansion will come from bringing together IP and terrestrial spectrum. The parties will also create industry specifications. These specifications are intended to enable a more seamless experience for customers and satellite operators.

The initiative has a clear focus. It specifically targets rural and underserved areas of the country. Despite the announcement, the three companies have not officially reached an agreement to work together.

The press release is clear on the current status of the deal. The joint venture remains subject to negotiating definitive agreements between the parties. It is also subject to satisfying customary closing conditions.

One assurance is provided in the announcement. Existing carrier-satellite agreements will be unaffected by the joint venture. Customers can read the announcement in full for more details.

In related satellite developments, T-Mobile has teamed up with SpaceX. This partnership brings Starlink-powered T-Satellite service to customers. The connectivity from this service is offered to AT&T and Verizon subscribers as well. Starlink also offers direct-to-cell service.

The joint venture announcement follows a recent regulatory decision. Earlier this week, the Federal Communications Commission in the US approved the $40 billion sale of EchoStar spectrum to AT&T and SpaceX.