European telecom groups mull bid for mobile satellite spectrum

FRANKFURT, Oct 19 (Reuters) - Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefonica and Vodafone have agreed to explore a joint bid for the future allocation of spectrum for mobile satellite services in Europe, the network operators said on Monday.

• The aim is to meet customer demand for universal coverage in underserved areas, strengthen the resilience of public networks and protect critical communications.

• The four companies plan to establish key ground infrastructure as well as important coordination and control functions in Europe, they said.

• They will not invest directly in a satellite constellation, which will be provided by a satellite partner still to be selected.

• The letter of intent to explore a potential joint bid for MSS spectrum does not replace existing satellite partnerships.

(Reporting by Ersen Hakan, writing by Linda Pasquini, editing by Thomas Seythal)