AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon launch satellite spectrum JV

AT&T, T-Mobile US and Verizon have formalized their satellite-focused spectrum-pooling joint venture, upgrading May's agreement in principle to a full JV agreement. Industry veteran Paul Roth was named interim CEO while a permanent search continues. The venture aims to expand coverage in underserved US areas via pooled spectrum and a unified technical integration model.

• JV pools spectrum from AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon to expand coverage in underserved US areas
• Paul Roth, ex-Cellular One, Ameritech, Cingular and AT&T, named interim CEO
• Existing carrier-satellite agreements remain in place, partners can act independently
• AT&T and Verizon CEOs call satellite complementary, not a rival to terrestrial networks