AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Plan to Launch New Joint Venture that Helps End Dead Zones

May 14, 2026, 06:55 ET

The Joint Venture (JV) will accelerate American leadership in next-generation direct-to-device (D2D) communications by using satellite-based technologies to address coverage gaps, especially in unserved and underserved communities. This initiative will help America extend its global leadership in wireless communications technology and services by delivering exceptional, resilient connectivity and creating the best and most diverse ecosystem for wireless and satellite products and services

The JV will extend mobile connectivity for wireless customers through joint investment in using satellite-based, direct-to-device (D2D) technologies to address coverage gaps

Customers will have a more seamless experience, especially in remote areas where traditional cell networks have limited or no service 

Collaborative approach will expand customer choice by bringing together IP and terrestrial spectrum and creating industry specifications to enable a more seamless experience for customers and satellite operators

AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have an agreement in principle to form a new JV which aims to help end wireless dead zones in the U.S., including in rural areas, by pooling limited spectrum resources to increase capacity, improve the customer experience, and help satellite providers reach more customers through a unified platform. The JV remains subject to negotiating definitive agreements between the parties and satisfying customary closing conditions.

Collectively, satellite services function as supplementary components to the core wireless services customers depend on. By collaborating on this JV, the partners will be able to enhance convenience for their customers, enable competition and foster innovation and growth within the industry.

"Our goal is to make staying connected simple, no matter where you are — on a rural highway, in a national park, on a boat, or during an emergency. By joining with other carriers, we're bringing our combined expertise to accelerate our customers' access to reliable, and always-on coverage everywhere. This collaboration not only makes connectivity easier; it strengthens America's communications leadership," said John Stankey, Chairman and CEO, AT&T.

"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. With the expansion of satellite constellations, soon to be supported by multiple space-based operators, this JV will use expanded capacity and improved performance to deliver the best possible service to customers. This partnership will also make it easier for satellite operators to deliver a broader range of direct-to-device experiences and help accelerate innovation across the wireless and satellite industries. Together, we're aiming to advance a future where America stays connected in more places, with fewer dead zones and greater access to the products and experiences people rely on every day," said Srini Gopalan, President and CEO, T-Mobile.

"Customers' daily lives depend on our services. To thrive in today's world, staying connected is essential. We are not just closing gaps on a map, we are building resilient digital infrastructure that meets the changing needs of our customers, no matter where life takes them. This partnership gives customers more options, continues to strengthen America's infrastructure and increases competition for satellite providers," said Dan Schulman, CEO, Verizon. 

Customer Benefits

Terrestrial mobile networks will continue to deliver the high-quality experience customers expect every day. However, reliable connectivity has never been more important. Once finalized, in areas where traditional cell service is a challenge, the JV would aim to provide customers with stronger, even more reliable connectivity and greater choice.

Fewer coverage gaps: Will nearly eliminate dead zones in the U.S. currently without mobile service, reaching previously unserved areas.

Reliable connectivity in emergencies: Redundant connectivity will become available when existing ground-based networks are unavailable due to extreme natural disasters or other unusual disruptions.

Improved network performance: Will give customers more consistent performance and simpler access to satellite services across providers. This will speed up feature updates and improve connectivity for everyone, everywhere.

Innovative communications services: Through combined investment by the three JV partners, provider options will expand, and, as a first step, D2D access will improve. This will enhance competition as consumer choices grow in satellite service. Emerging communications technologies can be more easily and quickly developed and launched to enhance customer experience.

Common technical specifications: A unified approach will provide a better and more consistent customer experience across the industry.

Industry Benefits

The JV would aim to drive industry progress by enabling competition, fostering innovation, expanding access, and simplifying integration, delivering significant benefits for satellite and mobile connectivity.  

Expanded access: More satellite service providers will gain opportunities to compete, invest, and grow and the JV will work with rural mobile network operators (MNO) to enable them to bring new products to market for their customers.

Easy technical integration: MNOs will be able to deploy innovative new services for customers more quickly.

Technology-neutral innovation platform: By applying the best technology solutions to the right use cases, connectivity will expand to areas across the country where coverage is currently limited or unavailable, further strengthening U.S. technology leadership.

Efficient use of spectrum: Will improve the application and utilization of valuable and scarce nationally licensed spectrum resources.

Industrywide device compatibility: User experience will improve on satellite networks, with a standards-based approach to development involving operating system providers, mobile app developers and original equipment manufacturers.  

Existing carrier-satellite agreements will remain in place and the JV partners can continue connectivity efforts independently.