Apple iPhone Coverage To Improve Thanks To Carriers’ Joint Venture

InnovationConsumer TechApple iPhone Coverage To Improve Thanks To Carriers’ Joint VentureByDavid Phelan,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about lifestyle techFollow AuthorMay 17, 2026, 09:30am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.SummaryMajor US carriers AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have formed an unexpected joint venture to eliminate smartphone dead spots. This initiative will utilize direct-to-device satellite technology to expand coverage, ensuring connectivity in previously unserved areas and enhancing disaster resilience. The goal is to simplify access to satellite services for all users, potentially offering more than just emergency texting. While T-Mobile and AT&T have already explored D2D tech, this collaboration aims for a unified, standards-based approach. However, the deal faces scrutiny, with SpaceX's president viewing it as competition and regulatory experts raising concerns about potential collusion among the high-margin competitors.Show More Apple iPhone 17 Prodpa/picture alliance via Getty ImagesAn unexpected new project set up by three separate carriers, AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon, aims to help iPhone and other smartphone users get a signal even in a place that was previously a dead spot. ForbesiPhone 18 To Drop Qualcomm After 15 Years For Apple’s New Custom 5G ModemBy David PhelanDirect-To-Device Satellite InfrastructureThe system uses satellite technologies to shrink coverage gaps using services which are direct to device. “Announced via a press release, the joint venture will use satellite-based, direct-to-device (D2D) technologies. T-Mobile was the first to launch the D2D tech for both text and data, the company notes, while AT&T announced similar functionality in 2024,” Apple Insider commented.“This initiative will help America extend its global leadership in wireless communicati...