Starlink to partner with Deutsche Telekom to launch satellite mobile service in Europe

SpaceX's Starlink is set to collaborate with the telecommunications powerhouse Deutsche Telekom to roll out a revolutionary satellite-based mobile service across ten European nations, as revealed by the companies on Monday. This innovative service is slated to launch in 2028, aiming to provide mobile connectivity in regions where traditional network expansion is particularly difficult, such as those with stringent conservation laws or challenging terrains. This initiative marks the first deployment in Europe utilizing Starlink's next-generation satellites, referred to as V2. According to Stephanie Bednarek, the vice president of Starlink Sales, the forthcoming service will enhance capabilities in data, voice, and messaging by delivering broadband directly to mobile devices. The satellite service will be available in Germany, Austria, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Greece, Croatia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. Meanwhile, SpaceX, the parent company of Starlink, is reportedly preparing for a significant public offering this year, potentially setting records with a target of raising up to $50 billion at a staggering valuation of $1.5 trillion, as reported by Reuters. Starlink currently operates around 9,000 satellites in orbit and serves approximately 9 million customers. Earlier this year, the company gained approval from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to deploy an additional 7,500 V2 satellites. Furthermore, in February, a partnership was announced between Starlink and Microsoft to establish connectivity for community hubs in Kenya.