AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon form joint venture to expand coverage

AT&T (NYSE: T), T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS), and Verizon (NYSE: VZ) have formally launched a joint venture aimed at expanding wireless coverage in underserved areas across the U.S., naming Paul Roth as interim CEO while a search for a permanent chief executive is underway.

The venture, first announced in May, will pool spectrum resources from the three carriers to reduce coverage gaps and expand satellite connectivity for customers nationwide. Roth previously held leadership roles at AT&T, Cingular Wireless, and Ameritech. The joint venture will be governed by a board with representatives from each of the three founding companies.

According to a press release from the companies, the venture is intended to complement existing terrestrial mobile networks rather than replace them. Key stated goals include nearly eliminating dead zones in areas currently without mobile service, providing redundant connectivity during natural disasters or other disruptions, and improving direct-to-device satellite access.

The joint venture also aims to expand opportunities for other satellite service providers and rural mobile network operators. The companies said existing carrier-satellite agreements will remain in place, and each partner may continue independent connectivity efforts.

Additional stated objectives include establishing common technical specifications for a more consistent customer experience, improving spectrum utilization, and developing standards-based device compatibility across satellite networks in coordination with operating system providers, app developers, and device manufacturers.

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