Vodafone Group and AST SpaceMobile have announced a groundbreaking partnership to launch a jointly owned European satellite service business, SatCo. This venture aims to deliver 100% geographic mobile broadband coverage across Europe, ensuring consumers and businesses stay connected even in the most remote areas. SatCo will enable mobile network operators (MNOs) to seamlessly integrate space-based cellular connectivity with existing terrestrial networks, advancing Europe’s digital sovereignty and network resilience.
SatCo will exclusively distribute AST SpaceMobile’s satellite services to European MNOs under a single, turnkey arrangement. Vodafone will contribute its advanced engineering expertise, managing a network operations center and ground stations that will provide backhaul services to AST SpaceMobile’s satellites in low Earth orbit. This ensures a seamless mobile experience, with no need for additional software or hardware updates for existing 4G and 5G smartphones.
Vodafone has already demonstrated the power of this technology, successfully making the world’s first space-based mobile video call on January 27, 2025, from an area with no mobile coverage. This historic milestone underscores the company’s commitment to bringing ubiquitous mobile broadband connectivity to its 340 million customers across 15 countries, as well as its network partners in 45 additional markets. With commercial rollout expected in 2025 and 2026, Vodafone is at the forefront of a new era in mobile connectivity.
As part of this initiative, Vodafone, AST SpaceMobile, and the University of Málaga are launching a new space and land mobile broadband research hub, backed by the Spanish Space Agency. Set to open in Summer 2025 at Vodafone’s Innovation Centre in Málaga, this facility will develop integrated low Earth orbit space-based and terrestrial mobile broadband services, driving innovation and ensuring the success of satellite-powered connectivity.
To further support its European expansion, AST SpaceMobile has opened a 5,600-square-meter manufacturing and office facility in Barcelona. This strategic move will enhance production capacity and accelerate the rigorous testing of its satellite and telecommunications systems, ensuring cutting-edge reliability and performance. By bolstering its presence in Spain, AST SpaceMobile is positioning itself to meet the increasing demand for space-based broadband services across the continent.
With this partnership, Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile are set to revolutionize mobile connectivity, bridging the digital divide and enabling seamless communication in locations where traditional infrastructure is not feasible. Whether in mountains, rural landscapes, or out at sea, this space-based technology will ensure uninterrupted coverage, improving connectivity for individuals, businesses, and emergency services alike. The future of mobile broadband in Europe is here.
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