Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile Launch European Satellite Project to Connect Smartphones Directly to Space
Vodafone Group and U.S.-based AST SpaceMobile have announced plans to establish a European-led satellite constellation designed to provide direct-to-smartphone connectivity for both commercial and government applications, marking a major step in Europe’s space and telecommunications integration.
The European operational center for the constellation will be located in Germany, with potential sites under consideration near Munich or Hanover, the companies said in a joint statement. The initiative will be managed through a joint venture between Vodafone and AST.
Growing Demand for Space-Based Mobile Internet
The project comes amid rising global demand for broadband internet access in underserved and remote areas. According to Paris-based consultancy Nova Space, the direct-to-device satellite communications market could exceed $10 billion by 2033.
The German operations hub will provide connectivity services to mobile network operators across Europe, supporting broadband internet access, public safety operations, and disaster relief agencies, according to Vodafone and AST.
The constellation will feature a “control key” security mechanism to ensure European oversight and cybersecurity, including end-to-end encryption and control of satellite operations over the continent.
Competition Heats Up with SpaceX’s Starlink
The announcement follows Elon Musk’s Starlink signing an agreement with VEON Group on Thursday to deliver direct-to-phone services, giving SpaceX access to 150 million potential users in VEON’s markets.
SpaceX has also expanded its spectrum holdings in the U.S. through a $2.6 billion acquisition from EchoStar, strengthening its bid to dominate mobile satellite connectivity.
Up to 60 Satellites Planned by 2026
AST SpaceMobile aims to deploy up to 60 satellites by 2026, compared to its current fleet of six. By contrast, Starlink’s network already exceeds 8,000 satellites in orbit.
Shares of AST SpaceMobile, listed on the New York Stock Exchange, rose 2% in pre-market trading, while Vodafone’s shares were little changed on the London Stock Exchange.
Vodafone, an investor in AST SpaceMobile, said mobile operators in 21 EU countries have expressed interest in adopting the space-to-Earth connectivity service, which will begin commercial operations in 2026.
In a statement, Vodafone CEO Margherita Della Valle described the initiative as a “sovereign satellite solution” that will give European telecom operators secure space-based communication capabilities complementing terrestrial networks.