Apple iPhones will soon be able to stay connected throughout the continental US, and not just via Globalstar's limited 'Emergency SOS' service, as all three major carriers have now reached a landmark agreement to eliminate network dead zones by leveraging Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite-based connectivity.
Apple iPhones to benefit as AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon form a JV to eliminate dead zones via satellites
As mentioned earlier, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have now formed a joint venture that will leverage satellite-based D2D connectivity to "address coverage gaps, especially in unserved and underserved communities."
Through this JV, the three carriers will make coordinated investments to rapidly expand D2D satellite coverage, allowing customers with supported phones, including the Apple iPhone, to experience seamless connectivity.
Of course, some believe this is a defensive play, meant to protect the carriers' current turf, and an attempt to dictate how satellite connectivity unfurls throughout the US.
Verizon's CEO noted in the press release:
"We are not just closing gaps on a map, we are building resilient digital infrastructure that meets the changing needs of our customers, no matter where life takes them."
Do note that Apple currently uses Globalstar's satellite connectivity for its 'Emergency SOS' and Roadside Assistance services, which allow users (iPhone 14 and up, as well as Apple Watch Ultra 3) to contact emergency services when outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. Apple's Find My app can leverage satellite-based connectivity to update and share location. The tie-up with Globalstar also enables iPhone users to exchange messages with personal contacts and first responders. Of course, Amazon is now acquiring Globalstar's constellation of LEO satellites.
Meanwhile, Apple plans to significantly ramp up the D2D capabilities of its iPhones by bringing satellite-based navigation and connectivity to Apple Maps, upgrading its Messages app to support text messages as well as RCS ones sent via satellites, implementing hardware upgrades to allow users to maintain satellite connectivity even indoors, where a line-of-sight connection to a supported satellite is generally not possible, bringing support for 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technology, which allows cell towers to use satellites to extend their coverage, and furnishing a dedicated API for developers to incorporate satellite connectivity within their apps.
About the author: Writing is my one incontrovertible passion. Over the past six years, he has authored over 2,200 distinct articles on financial and tech-related topics, spanning nearly 1 million words. And he has been a member of Wcctech mobile team since 2025. As an alumnus of the University of Toronto, Rotman Commerce Program, I bring nuance, in-depth knowledge, and a unique perspective to every topic that I cover. When I'm not writing, I'm traveling the world, exploring hidden confectionaries and restaurants as an aspiring food connoisseur.
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