Vodafone is a telecommunications company that is expanding its role in the space industry by focusing on providing direct-to-device satellite connectivity. They are partnering with AST SpaceMobile to deliver space-based mobile broadband across Europe, aiming to eliminate coverage gaps and provide ubiquitous connectivity. Vodafone is also establishing research hubs, such as the one in Malaga, Spain, to develop integrated space and terrestrial network solutions, with support from the Spanish Space Agency and the University of Málaga, to test hardware, software, and processing chips. Their major partners include AST SpaceMobile, Google, AT&T, and Verizon, with services targeting mobile network operators (MNOs) and customers in Europe and Africa; associated keywords include satellite connectivity, mobile broadband, and AST SpaceMobile.
All verified mentions of this organization in source documents.
Vodafone’s global IoT ecosystem already supports over 220 million IoT connections worldwide.
The collaboration enables IoT devices to switch between terrestrial cellular networks and Skylo’s satellite overlay using a single Vodafone SIM.
Following successful trials, Vodafone IoT and Skylo Technologies intend to roll out a full commercial NTN NB-IoT service.
The partnership integrates satellite-based NTN NB-IoT connectivity from Skylo into Vodafone’s global IoT ecosystem.
The initial phase of the Vodafone IoT and Skylo partnership involves technology trials to validate performance across diverse geographies.
Vodafone IoT and Skylo Technologies formed a strategic partnership on January 28, 2026 to integrate satellite-based Non-Terrestrial Network NB-IoT connectivity into Vodafone’s global IoT ecosystem.
Vodafone IoT and Skylo Technologies are integrating their network cores to enable devices to automatically transition to satellite links when cellular signals are unavailable.
AST SpaceMobile's revenue model relies on partnerships with companies like AT&T, Verizon, and Vodafone.
AST SpaceMobile maintains strategic partnerships and agreements with over 50 mobile network operators globally, including AT&T, Verizon, and Vodafone.
AST SpaceMobile has strategic partnerships with AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rakuten, Google, American Tower, Bell, and stc Group.
Strategic partners of AST SpaceMobile include AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rakuten, Google, American Tower, Bell, and stc Group.
AST SpaceMobile has agreements with over 50 mobile network operators globally, including AT&T, Verizon, and Vodafone.
Vodafone has a commercial agreement with AST SpaceMobile covering direct-to-device services in the U.K.
Vodafone partnered with AST SpaceMobile and T-Mobile partnered with Starlink in hybrid operator bundles.
Other telecommunications operators in Oman include Ooredoo, Awasr, and Vodafone.
AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone achieved direct 4G/5G mobile connectivity to unmodified smartphones in Europe.
Scott Wisniewski, AST's President, indicated that a European link-up between AST and Vodafone could lead to AST becoming the supplier for the European Commission's IRIS2 mega-constellation.
AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone conducted the world's first space-based video call.
AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone unveiled a plan for a new EU satellite constellation for Direct-to-Cell services.
The new joint venture, SatCo, will be co-owned by Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile and will be headquartered and managed in Europe.