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German Mobile Providers Partner with Satellite Companies to Expand Coverage
🇦🇹 Austria /Technology

German Mobile Providers Partner with Satellite Companies to Expand Coverage

From Die Presse · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Major German mobile providers are partnering with satellite companies to improve network coverage and ensure emergency communication.
  • Deutsche Telekom is collaborating with Starlink, Vodafone with AST SpaceMobile, and O2 Telefónica with OQ Technology.
  • The goal is to fill coverage gaps, especially during disasters like storms and power outages, with services expected to become available in the coming years.

Germany's leading telecommunications companies are looking to the stars to enhance their mobile networks. Deutsche Telekom is working with Starlink, aiming to provide mobile reception in previously underserved areas starting in 2028. Vodafone has formed a joint venture with AST SpaceMobile to offer satellite-based mobile connectivity, though a timeline for Germany remains uncertain.

O2 Telefónica is also joining the trend, announcing a partnership with Luxembourg-based satellite operator OQ Technology. Tests are scheduled to begin in the German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in early 2027. OQ Technology's approach utilizes standard mobile network frequencies, which could allow regular smartphones to connect, unlike some other systems that require specialized, more expensive satellite-compatible devices.

The satellite-based service can complement existing mobile networks in the future. Where expansion on the ground is only possible with high effort or not at all.

— Jörg KablitzAn O2 board member explaining the role of satellite technology in improving mobile coverage.

While Telekom and Vodafone are focusing on Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) frequencies, potentially requiring customers to purchase new, compatible smartphones, the technology is still in its early stages. Currently, no customer can connect to these networks via satellite. However, the companies anticipate that wider adoption could lead to more affordable MSS-capable smartphones in the future.

The primary aim of this satellite connectivity is to supplement existing mobile networks, eliminating remaining coverage gaps in remote areas like lakes or nature reserves. Crucially, it is intended to provide a reliable communication channel during severe weather events, widespread power failures, and other catastrophes. Initial services will likely focus on basic functions such as text messaging, voice calls, and small data transfers. "The satellite-based service can complement existing mobile networks in the future," stated Jörg Kablitz, a board member at O2. "Where expansion on the ground is only possible with high effort or not at all."

Satellite internet will optimally complement our infrastructure in remote regions.

— Marcel de GrootVodafone Germany CEO commenting on the benefits of satellite internet for their network.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Presse in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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