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.
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Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile announced on 7 November that the satellite constellation will feature a command switch for European oversight and security.
Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile established a joint venture, SatCo, in June to provide direct satellite communications.
Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile plan to develop a European-controlled direct-to-smartphone satellite communications constellation through their joint venture, SatCo.
Vodafone Group and AST SpaceMobile announced on 7 November the selection of Germany for a new European Satellite Operations Centre.
AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone initially announced their partnership in February 2022 to build a direct-to-smartphone space-based mobile network.
Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile announced a new satellite constellation plan to enhance European communication infrastructure and will establish their operational base in Germany.
In March 2025, Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile expanded their cooperation by establishing a joint venture to provide geographic coverage across Europe for commercial and government customers.
Technology provided by Vodafone and AST will provide mobile services directly from satellites to network providers.
AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone formed a joint venture called SatCo to provide satellite mobile broadband service to European mobile network operators.
AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone's mobile broadband service is set to launch in 2026.
Vodafone has a commercial agreement with AST SpaceMobile that lasts through 2034 to distribute AST SpaceMobile services in its home and partner markets.
AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone announced plans for a new European satellite constellation on November 7 to provide direct-to-device services.
Vodafone IoT plans to integrate Iridium’s direct-to-device offering into its services.
Vodafone IoT will gain access to Iridium NTN Direct, which is planned for commercial launch in 2026.
Vodafone IoT CEO Erik Brenneis stated that the partnership with Iridium opens the door to a new generation of IoT connectivity.
Vodafone and Iridium will go through integration and testing and plan to launch a full commercial service for customers globally.
AST SpaceMobile has announced commercial agreements with AT&T, Vodafone, and Verizon.
La Universidad de Málaga, Vodafone, y AST SpaceMobile han inaugurado el primer laboratorio de investigación de Europa dedicado al desarrollo de servicios integrados de banda ancha móvil terrestre y satelital de órbita baja.
Las iniciativas del laboratorio mejorarán la oferta de servicios de Vodafone y potenciarán el rendimiento de los servicios de la empresa conjunta entre Vodafone y AST SpaceMobile, llamada SatCo.
Vodafone está invirtiendo en proyectos privados para generar nuevas oportunidades y consolidar a Málaga como un centro de tecnología e innovación satelital a nivel mundial.