The satellite joint venture from AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon is now official. The three carriers announced on October 1 that they have entered into a joint venture agreement, and they named Paul Roth as interim CEO.
However, the announcement leaves out the details customers need most. It gives no launch date, no price and no name for the new company.
What the satellite joint venture will do
The venture aims to deliver satellite connectivity where cell towers do not reach. According to the carriers, it will “nearly eliminate dead zones in the U.S. currently without mobile service.” It is designed to complement ground networks, not replace them.
The carriers also promise backup coverage in emergencies. For example, satellite links would be available when ground networks fail during a natural disaster. In addition, common technical specifications should give customers a consistent experience across providers. As a first step, the companies say direct-to-device access will improve.
Who runs it
Roth previously held leadership roles at AT&T, Cingular Wireless and Ameritech. He leads the venture while it searches for a permanent CEO. Meanwhile, a board with representatives from each carrier will manage the company.
What happens to existing satellite service
Existing carrier-satellite agreements will remain in place, and each partner can keep working on connectivity independently. Therefore, current services should continue alongside the venture.
T-Mobile’s T-Satellite is one example. It connects phones through Starlink, and T-Mobile includes it in its Experience Beyond plans or sells it for $10 a month per line. The joint venture has not said whether its own service will cost extra.
The carriers also say more satellite providers will get opportunities to compete. Rural mobile operators are included too, because the venture plans to work with them on new products.
How it got here
The carriers first announced the plan in May, when it was only an agreement in principle. At that point, they said they would pool limited spectrum to add capacity. They also said one platform would help satellite providers reach more customers.
Verizon CEO Dan Schulman framed the goal in that May announcement.
We are not just closing gaps on a map, we are building resilient digital infrastructure that meets the changing needs of our customers, no matter where life takes them.
Dan Schulman, CEO, Verizon
Satellite internet is expanding quickly elsewhere too. Tech My Money recently covered Amazon Leo’s deal in Uzbekistan and Starlink’s smaller V5 home dish.
