AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon join forces to try and eliminate coverage 'dead zones' for good

Date:
Fri, 15 May 2026 17:05:00 +0000

Description:
America's three biggest mobile networks reveal plans to bring
direct-to-device satellite connections to customers.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon are working together to offer standardized satellite connectivity It would
benefit customers not covered by cell towers, like in national parks
Operators globally are looking to use satellite for more than emergencies,
now In a rare turn of events, three of the biggest mobile carriers in the US have announced they will be working together to tackle 'dead zones' across
the country using satellites.

The joint venture , formed by AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon, should help to improve connectivity in areas where traditional towers can fail, such as national parks and highways. Satellites could also provide continuity in disaster-struck regions, where land-based infrastructure damages can cause widespread outages. Latest Videos From You may like VodafoneThree gets Ofcom approval to bring satellite connectivity to your smartphone Virgin Media O2 switches on Starlink-powered smartphone satellite service Researchers propose drone-based system to boost mobile network coverage Satellite technology to eliminate dead zones Because the joint venture's plan revolves around direct-to-device satellite tech, it would mean that regular smartphone could access signal in rural areas without consumers needing to buy specific satellite phones. While many phones now offer limited services via satellite, it's hoped that the scheme would make roaming between cellular and satellite networks more seamless.

"Having launched the first nationwide, satellite-powered direct-to-device network for text and data, weve seen firsthand how critical reliable connectivity can be when America needs it most," T-Mobile CEO Srini Gopalan commented.

T-Mobile already partners with SpaceX, which has been expanding its footprint across voice and data services on top of earlier emergency texting functionalities. AT&T and Verizon also have partnerships with AST SpaceMobile for their satellite services.

The announcement comes amid a broader global shift, whereby satellite
networks are becoming more tightly integrated with regular 5G and 6G cell connections, instead of being a separate emergency-only tool. Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get
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As well as improving coverage and performance for customers, the joint
venture also anticipates industry benefits, such as industry-wide device compatibility and an easier way for mobile network operators (MNOs) to integrate satellite connectivity for their customers.

The agreement in principle is yet to be 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 opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/at-and-t-t-mobile-and-verizon-are-joining-up-to- eliminate-coverage-dead-zones-for-good


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