Overview
- Deutsche Telekom announced a Starlink partnership at MWC to extend coverage in about 10 European markets starting in early 2028.
- Service will run over Starlink’s MSS spectrum, letting compatible smartphones auto-switch to satellites for data, voice, video and messaging outside terrestrial range.
- Starlink says its V2 “Starlink Mobile” constellation targets mid‑2027 readiness using 2 GHz S‑band acquired from EchoStar to support unmodified handsets at scale.
- Operators frame satellite links as a complement for hard‑to‑reach areas and crisis resilience; current limits include few supported phones and the need for clear sky view.
- Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile launched Satellite Connect Europe, with five planned European ground stations already underway in Spain and the UK, Luxembourg headquarters, a German operations center, and interest from Orange and Telefónica.