The nation’s “Big Three” cell phone carriers—AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile—announced on May 14 a rare joint venture (JV) designed to increase cell phone coverage and internet connectivity in underserved and remote parts of the United States.
The JV will use satellite-based technologies to fill in wireless coverage gaps, especially in rural areas, the companies said in a joint news release. Joining forces increases resources available to serve remote communities and enhances the customer experience by providing a unified platform for satellite service providers, the wireless carriers said.
Satellite connectivity is typically available as a supplement to a carrier’s core wireless backbone; however, through the JV, the carriers will provide customers with stronger wireless connectivity and increased coverage options through joint investment in satellite-based direct-to-device technologies. That forgoes signal routing through ground-based cell towers and instead employs direct connections with orbiting satellites….