Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile plan satellite joint venture to close rural coverage gaps

Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile said May 14, 2026, they agreed in principle to form a joint venture aimed at reducing U.S. wireless “dead zones,” particularly in rural areas, by using satellite-based technologies. The companies said the venture seeks to eliminate nearly all areas without mobile service, add backup connectivity during natural disasters and improve network performance. Financial terms, ownership details and a launch timeline were not disclosed.