AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon propose a direct-to-device joint venture; AST SpaceMobile backs it

AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon announced a proposed joint venture to bring satellite-based direct-to-device service to their customers. AST SpaceMobile welcomed the plan and said it intends to be a key infrastructure enabler. No deal terms, ownership split or timeline were disclosed, so the venture is still a proposal.

• Proposed by AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon, the three largest U.S. mobile network operators
• No ownership split, spectrum contribution or timeline disclosed
• AST cites peak speeds approaching 100 Mbps from space to standard phones, with next-generation satellites expected to nearly double that
• Goals stated: faster technical integration, better coverage and fewer dead zones