Might SpaceX Want an MVNO?

WASHINGTON, May 5, 2026 – Direct-to-device satellite operators like SpaceX and Amazon could have reason to be interested in a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) deal with one of the mobile carriers, New Street Research analysts said in recent investor notes.

Executives from the carriers have said they’re not interested for now.

T-Mobile CEO Srini Gopalan and AT&T CEO John Stankey said on their earnings calls last week that a satellite MVNO wouldn’t make sense for them, as it wouldn’t obviously address a new market they couldn’t reach today. The issue didn’t come up on Verizon’s call, but the company told Fierce Network Friday that it was in the same camp as the other national carriers. Verizon confirmed its position in a statement to Broadband Breakfast Tuesday.

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