spacenews.com·May 15, 2026
AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon are planning a direct-to-device joint venture to connect smartphones via satellites, but the initiative has caused divisions among operators regarding the necessary satellite infrastructure.
The planned direct-to-device joint venture between AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, which aims to connect ordinary smartphones directly from space, indicates a significant competitive move against existing satellite internet providers like Starlink. For professionals tracking space tech and commercial space, this development could signal a potential shift in market dynamics and an emerging opportunity to explore partnerships or innovations within the satellite communication sector.