AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon launch satellite joint venture

Major US wireless carriers AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have officially launched a joint venture aimed at eliminating mobile coverage dead zones across the United States. The initiative focuses on expanding direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity, allowing standard smartphones to connect directly to satellites in areas where traditional cellular towers are unavailable.

To facilitate this, the three companies will pool nationally licensed spectrum resources to support satellite services at scale while maintaining their primary spectrum for existing terrestrial networks. The venture is designed to be technology-neutral, allowing various satellite operators to compete and enabling smaller rural carriers to integrate into the system without significant infrastructure investment.

Paul Roth, a wireless industry veteran with previous leadership roles at AT&T, Cingular Wireless, and Ameritech, has been appointed as interim CEO. A board consisting of representatives from all three founding members will manage the venture. The partnership aims to provide redundant connectivity during natural disasters and improve service consistency in underserved regions, though the carriers will continue to compete independently in other sectors.