LEO

T-Mobile Says Satellite Connectivity Will Complement, Not Replace Wireless Networks

Satellite service is becoming an essential add-on for premium wireless customers, officials say.

Mira Bhakta

May 19, 2026 — 2 min read

Photo of T-Mobile CEO Srini Gopalan from LinkedIn.

May 19, 2026 – T-Mobile executives said Monday that direct-to-device satellite service will become a standard feature of premium wireless plans rather than a standalone competitor to traditional mobile networks.

Speaking at a JPMorgan investor conference, T-Mobile CEO Srini Gopalan outlined the rationale behind a proposed joint venture between T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon that would pool spectrum resources for low-Earth orbit satellite providers.

The proposal, first reported Thursday, is aimed at creating a shared platform for satellite operators seeking access to terrestrial wireless spectrum for direct-to-device services.

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LEO Satellite T-Mobile Starlink Verizon AT&T AST SpaceMobile Srini Gopalan Brendan Carr Dan Schulman

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