AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon have entered into a joint venture agreement aimed at expanding satellite-enabled coverage in underserved areas across the U.S., following a May announcement that the three carriers would pool limited spectrum resources to help eliminate coverage dead zones. Paul Roth, a wireless industry veteran who previously held leadership roles at AT&T, Cingular Wireless and Ameritech, will serve as interim CEO while a search for a permanent chief executive is underway, and the venture will be managed by a board with representatives from each founding member. The JV is designed to complement terrestrial mobile networks rather than replace them, with the goal of nearly eliminating dead zones currently without mobile service, providing redundant connectivity during natural disasters, and improving direct-to-device access as a first step. The partners said the venture will support industry competition and innovation, work with rural mobile network operators, and pursue a standards-based approach to device compatibility, while existing carrier-satellite agreements remain in place and the three companies can continue connectivity efforts independently.
Verizon Joins AT&T and T-Mobile Satellite Connectivity Venture
Verizon Communications has entered into a joint venture with AT&T Inc. and T-Mobile US, Inc. to expand wireless coverage and reduce mobile dead zones across the United States using satellite connectivity. The venture will complement Verizon's existing network with direct-to-device services, letting compatible devices connect to satellite networks and providing backup connectivity during natural disasters or other network disruptions. The partnership is expected to reduce coverage gaps, improve reliability and provide more satellite service options, while helping Verizon adopt common technical standards that improve compatibility among devices, operating systems and satellite networks. Existing carrier-satellite agreements will remain in place, allowing Verizon to continue its independent connectivity initiatives alongside the new venture. Verizon shares have gained 10.8% over the past year compared with the industry's growth of 119.6%, and the stock trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 8.77 versus the industry average of 37.6. Earnings estimates for 2026 have remained static at $5.03 per share, while estimates for 2027 have increased 0.2% to $5.30 over the past 60 days.
Space Economy › Satellite Connectivity & Direct-to-Device ▲Technology
Space Economy › Direct-to-Device (satellite-to-cell) ▲Technology
VZ · Demand · Positive Verizon joins the AT&T/T-Mobile satellite venture to expand coverage, improve reliability and offer more satellite service options
T · Demand · Positive AT&T is a partner in the satellite joint venture that expands wireless coverage and direct-to-device service offerings
TMUS · Demand · Positive T-Mobile is a partner in the satellite joint venture to reduce dead zones and add direct-to-device connectivity
TELUS and AST SpaceMobile Complete First Satellite-to-Smartphone Integration Test
TELUS and AST SpaceMobile have successfully completed their first integration test between TELUS' wireless network and AST SpaceMobile's space-based network, a milestone toward delivering broadband data, voice calls and text messages directly between smartphones and satellites. The service is expected to be available to TELUS customers within the next year, letting eligible smartphones connect beyond the reach of traditional cell towers. AST SpaceMobile's constellation features the largest communication arrays ever deployed in Low Earth Orbit. Nazim Benhadid, Executive Vice-President and Chief Technology Officer at TELUS, called the milestone a major step forward in extending cellular coverage to places where service isn't available today, while AST SpaceMobile Chief Commercial Officer Chris Ivory said the test reflects the strength and maturity of the company's technology. The partnership builds on TELUS' ongoing investments in its wireless network, including faster 5G+ and LTE speeds and expanded coverage across Canada.
Space Economy › Satellite Connectivity & Direct-to-Device ▲Technology
Space Economy › Direct-to-Device (satellite-to-cell) ▲Technology
Space Economy › Satellite Broadband, MSS & Ground Equipment ▲Technology
ASTS · Technology · Positive AST SpaceMobile's space-based network completed its first integration test with TELUS, validating its satellite-to-smartphone technology.
TU · Technology · Positive TELUS completed a first integration test linking its wireless network to AST SpaceMobile's satellite network, advancing direct satellite-to-smartphone service for its customers.
WISeSat.Space Shares Surge 308% After Nasdaq Debut Following Reverse SPAC Merger
WISeSat.Space Holdings Corp. shares surged as much as 500% in Monday premarket trading after the company completed its previously announced reverse SPAC merger with Columbus Acquisition Corp. on October 1, 2026. The subsidiary of WISeQey Corp. began trading its ordinary shares on Nasdaq under the ticker SAIQ on October 2, 2026. Founder, chairman and CEO Carlos Moreira is scheduled to ring the Nasdaq Opening Bell on October 9, 2026, at Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square. The listing supports WISeSat.Space's plans to expand secure satellite connectivity, drawing on WISeQey's expertise in cybersecurity, digital identity and secure semiconductors to connect IoT devices beyond terrestrial networks. SAIQ was up 308.63% at $7.55 in premarket trading on Monday, hitting a new 52-week high.
Gilat's Peru Unit Signs $28 Million Pronatel Broadband Deal
Gilat Satellite Networks said its Peruvian subsidiary, Gilat Perú, has signed a $28 million agreement with Pronatel, Peru's national telecommunications program, to upgrade broadband connectivity across the Ica region. Construction on the project is expected to be completed by mid-year 2027, after which a seven-year operational phase will follow. The award expands Gilat's footprint in Peru's regional connectivity buildout.
Space Economy › Satellite Broadband, MSS & Ground Equipment ▲Demand
Space Economy › Satellite Connectivity & Direct-to-Device ▲Demand
Gilat Perú · Demand · Positive Gilat Perú signed a $28M agreement with Pronatel to upgrade broadband connectivity in the Ica region, a concrete order expanding its footprint.
CCET sets five-year strategy, targeting AI servers and new technologies
Cal-Comp Electronics (Thailand) Public Company Limited, or CCET, has announced a five-year long-term strategic plan, building on its EMS business toward higher-value technology products and businesses. Managing Director Khongsin Chokvicharoen said the company is pushing ahead with new businesses in AI servers, CSP, LVDC and HVDC, alongside developing automation and AI to elevate itself into a smart factory. In its quantum computing project, the company has already developed a working prototype and is conducting joint research and development with ITRI in Taiwan as well as leading universities in Taiwan. As for its LEO satellite project, it is being carried out through a long-term partnership with a leading satellite company from Taiwan and is in the process of developing and studying the business model. For its short-term plan, the company is accelerating the setup of an AI server production line, expected to begin operations before the end of the third quarter of 2026, while CSP products are set to start production in Thailand in the second half of 2026. Its EMS business remains the core and a key revenue source, particularly the storage, printer, SSD and smart wearable segments, which include a smart collar for cows that is the world's first smart wearable product for cattle and has already succeeded in the New Zealand and Australian markets.
Viasat Unit Wins US Space Force MECS2 Contract for Marine Corps SATCOM
Viasat Inc., through its subsidiary Inmarsat Government, Inc., was awarded the U.S. Space Force's MECS2 contract in September 2026, securing an initial US$42 million task order under a seven-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity agreement with a ceiling of up to US$307 million to provide fully managed global SATCOM services for the U.S. Marine Corps. The award deepens Viasat's role in secure, multi-orbit government communications and highlights the importance of its ViaSat-3-enabled Ka-band network and 24x7 managed services capabilities. The company's narrative projects $5.5 billion revenue and $626.3 million earnings by 2029, with forecasts yielding a $103.94 fair value, a 44% upside to its current price. Some of the lowest ranked analysts were far more cautious, assuming only about 3.9 percent annual revenue growth and continued losses. The MECS2 award looks incrementally positive for the investment thesis, reinforcing defense demand and multi-orbit capabilities, but it does not by itself resolve near term pressure from high ViaSat-3 and Inmarsat capex or the risk that broadband subscriber declines keep weighing on revenue quality.
VSAT · Demand · Positive Viasat's Inmarsat Government unit won the US Space Force MECS2 contract, a $42M initial task order up to $307M, for Marine Corps SATCOM services.