Network operators test satellite communications against German dead zones

Deutsche Telekom is also pursuing a satellite strategy. It is cooperating with the US data service Starlink, whose space-based communications service is to enable reception in existing coverage gaps from 2028. Vodafone, in turn, founded a joint venture this year with the US satellite provider AST SpaceMobile to offer space-based mobile reception. A specific launch date in Germany has not yet been announced. Vodafone's Germany chief Marcel de Groot said: „Das Satelliten-Internet wird unsere Infrastruktur in abgelegenen Regionen optimal ergänzen."

Technical approaches: Frequencies are decisive

The three approaches differ significantly technically. O2 and OQ use standard mobile network frequencies, while Telekom and Vodafone rely on MSS (Mobile Satellite Service) frequencies. The latter would mean that customers would need new, more expensive smartphones for the satellite function. The O2/OQ approach, on the other hand, would work with many existing devices, which could facilitate market entry.

The service is initially designed for SMS, voice telephony, and small data packets — that is, basic mobile network functions. Omar Qaise, founder of OQ Technology, estimates the bandwidth on a smartphone at one to two megabits per second. Enough for text messages and short phone calls, but not for data-intensive applications.

European sovereignty in space

According to its own statements, OQ Technology is backed by a purely European concept. Company chief Omar Qaise emphasizes: „Wir sind zu hundert Prozent eine europäische Firma, wir betreiben die Satelliten aus Europa heraus, unsere Dienstleistung ist europäisch und wir nutzen eine Cloud aus Europa. Wir unterliegen nicht der US-Cloud-Regulierung, weil wir eine europäische Firma sind." According to his words, OQ has received financial support from EU institutions and sees itself as a building block of European sovereignty in space.

Qaise formulates the political vision as follows: „Europa muss eine eigene, souveräne und interoperable weltraumgestützte Mobilfunkinfrastruktur aufbauen." This positions OQ as an alternative to US providers such as Starlink, which, according to the available information, operate around 10,000 satellites in orbit. OQ is significantly smaller: currently, five satellites orbit at around 500 kilometers altitude, with three more to follow this year.

Expansion plans and growth

By the end of 2027, OQ aims to have 48 satellites in orbit, according to the founder. This would put every point on Earth within range of an OQ satellite approximately every 30 minutes. For 2028 or 2029, 150 satellites are planned, which would enable continuous coverage, including more data-intensive applications such as video transmissions from drones. The current satellites are roughly the size of a shoebox and can currently only send warning messages, not chats between users. A new generation supporting bidirectional data traffic is to launch next year.

The company is growing rapidly. According to its own vague figures, OQ currently has 50 employees, twice as many as the previous year, and is targeting the 100-employee mark by the end of 2026. Annual revenue is said to be in the seven-figure euro range and growing steeply.

In addition to improving convenience in remote regions, such as on lakes or in nature reserves, the operators see the satellite connection primarily as an emergency channel. During severe storms, large-scale power outages, or other disasters, it is meant to provide a means of communication when ground infrastructure fails. Just last year, Luxembourg's mobile network was down for an entire day following a cyberattack — a scenario that underscores the importance of such backup solutions.