Major European mobile carriers are teaming up for a ‘direct’ satellite program without Starlink

Satellite-to-phone services let a normal handset connect to a satellite when no cell tower is in range, using mobile spectrum and ground stations to link the call into the phone network. Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefonica and Vodafone have signed a letter of intent to jointly bid for European spectrum and build the ground infrastructure, while a satellite partner to be chosen supplies the spacecraft.

Summary written with AI by HowTechMoves, based on reporting by The Verge.