Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T From JV to Help Eliminate 'Dead Zones' in US

01:07 PM EDT, 10/01/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Verizon Communications (VZ), T-Mobile US (TMUS) and AT&T (T) have established a joint venture aimed at boosting mobile network services in underserved areas and eliminating "dead zones" in the country, the companies said Thursday. In May, the three companies reached an agreement in principle to form a new JV and said they would pool limited spectrum resources to help eliminate coverage "dead zones" and expand satellite coverage for customers. "Through combined investment by the three JV partners, provider options will expand, and, as a first step, direct-to-device access will improve," Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T said Thursday. "This will enhance competition as consumer choices grow in satellite service." The venture also aims to provide other customer benefits, such as helping make redundant connectivity available when existing ground-based networks are not available due to extreme natural disasters and almost eliminating "dead zones" in the country currently without mobile service. "More satellite service providers will gain opportunities to compete, invest, and grow and the JV will work with rural mobile network operators to enable them to bring new products to market for their customers," the statement said. Wireless industry veteran Paul Roth will be the JV's interim chief executive until a permanent CEO is appointed. A board with representatives from each founding member will manage the venture, according to the statement. Existing carrier-satellite deals will remain intact, the companies said, adding that the JV partners will be able to continue connectivity efforts independently. Earlier this week, AT&T and Corning (GLW) announced a multiyear agreement valued at more than $3 billion, under which Corning will provide fiber and cable needed for AT&T's network expansion amid strong data demand spurred by the expanding use of artificial intelligence. Last month, Verizon and Corning struck a multi-billion-dollar deal for more than 80 million miles of high-density optical fiber and connectivity solutions from 2027 through 2032 in order to meet strong consumer broadband demand.