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AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon form satellite JV to end dead zones

5/15/2026

Summary

Carriers End Deadzones

AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon agreed Thursday to form a joint venture that will use satellite to end rural dead zones.
The carriers will pool limited spectrum to boost capacity, improve experience, and help satellite providers reach more users.
SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell called the plan a David-and-Goliath story backing Starlink Mobile as the underdog.
SpaceX secured FCC approval to launch 7,500 more Gen2 Starlink satellites, bringing its constellation to 15,000.

Summary

FCC Approves Spectrum

FCC approved a $40 billion spectrum sale that includes EchoStar’s $17 billion transfer of 65 MHz to SpaceX and AT&T.
Chairman Brendan Carr said the deal gives Starlink a path into the direct-to-cell market and that the FCC will not pick a winner, leaving competition to market forces.
The FCC required EchoStar to place a $2.4 billion escrow for license disputes and issued waivers allowing SpaceX to deploy the spectrum on terrestrial, space-based networks.

Summary

Carriers Build Redundancy

The partnership will create redundant satellite links that keep mobile service running during natural disasters or other disruptions when terrestrial networks fail.
AT&T chairman John Stankey said the venture will boost competition and spur innovation.
Existing carrier-satellite contracts will stay in force, letting each company pursue independent projects.
Combined capital from AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon will speed rollout of emerging communication technologies and standardize the user experience with unified specifications.

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Carriers End Deadzones

AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon agreed Thursday to form a joint venture that will use satellite to end rural dead zones.
The carriers will pool limited spectrum to boost capacity, improve experience, and help satellite providers reach more users.
SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell called the plan a David-and-Goliath story backing Starlink Mobile as the underdog.
SpaceX secured FCC approval to launch 7,500 more Gen2 Starlink satellites, bringing its constellation to 15,000.

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