- AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon are working together to offer standardized satellite connectivity
- This would benefit customers not covered by cell towers, such as in national parks
- Operators globally are now looking to use satellite for more than emergencies
In a rare development, three of the largest mobile carriers in the US have announced that they will work together to tackle “dead zones” across the country using satellites.
The joint venture, formed by AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon, was supposed to help improve connectivity in areas where traditional towers can fail, such as national parks and highways.
Satellites can also provide continuity in disaster-stricken regions where damage to land-based infrastructure can cause widespread outages.
Satellite technology to eliminate dead zones
Because the joint venture’s plan revolves around direct-to-device satellite technology, it would mean that ordinary smartphones could access signal in rural areas without consumers having to buy specific satellite phones. While many phones now offer limited services via satellite, it is hoped the scheme will make roaming between mobile and satellite networks more seamless.
“Having launched the first nationwide satellite-powered direct-to-device network for text and data, we’ve seen firsthand how critical reliable connectivity can be when America needs it most,” commented T-Mobile CEO Srini Gopalan.
T-Mobile is already partnering with SpaceX, which has expanded its footprint across voice and data services on top of previous emergency texting capabilities. AT&T and Verizon also have partnerships with AST SpaceMobile for their satellite services.
The announcement comes amid a broader global shift in which satellite networks are becoming more closely integrated with mainstream 5G and 6G cellular connections, rather than being a separate relief tool.
In addition to improving coverage and performance for customers, the joint venture also foresees industry benefits such as compatibility with devices across the industry and an easier way for mobile network operators (MNOs) to integrate satellite connectivity for their customers.
The agreement in principle has not yet been confirmed, pending regulatory approval and confirmation of the finer details.
Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews and opinions in your feeds.
