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Mobile operator Vodafone UK has issued an update on their Joint Venture (SatCo) with satellite operator AST SpaceMobile, which is in the process of launching a space-based 2G, 4G and 5G mobile (mobile broadband) service that can connect with regular Smartphones around the world. The first commercial services are expected to launch in 2026.
Just to recap. Over the past few years’ we’ve seen AST conduct several trials of the new platform, including via their prototype 1.5-ton BlueWalker 3 satellite (here) that orbits at an altitude of a little over 500km and features a huge 693-square-foot (64.4-square-meter) phased array antenna (here). The satellite was specifically designed for sending and receiving mobile signals between the space-based platform and regular mobile handsets.
The platform was originally developed with support from Vodafone and thus nobody was surprised to see the pair sign a long-term commercial agreement last year (here), which will run until at least 2034. This will support AST’s efforts toward launching a total of 100 similar satellites (BlueBirds) over the next few years (future models will be larger and more capable).
Last year’s agreement essentially established the framework for Vodafone to offer space-based cellular broadband connectivity in its home markets (e.g. the UK), but at the time we didn’t get a lot of detail about how this would be delivered. The good news today is that the companies have confirmed that their first commercial services are expected to begin in 2026.
According to today’s update, the new joint venture satellite company (SatCo) will be “focused on delivering space-based cellular broadband connectivity” and is to be headquartered in Luxembourg. SatCo’s wholesale offering of Direct-to-Device (DtD) mobile broadband satellite services has already generated expressions of interest from network operators in 21 EU member states, as well as in other European markets.
Margherita Della Valle, CEO of Vodafone, said:
“This is an important initiative for Europe. Our service will ensure all European citizens, businesses, and governments enjoy uninterrupted, ubiquitous mobile broadband connectivity across the whole continent. Europe can take the lead in new direct-to-device mobile broadband technology.”
Abel Avellan, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of AST SpaceMobile, said:
“With SatCo now based in Luxembourg, Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile are strengthening Europe’s position in direct-to-mobile satellite services and advancing digital independence. This joint venture supports European digital sovereignty by creating a unified platform to deliver satellite connectivity across the continent. Together, we are building secure, resilient cellular broadband infrastructure to serve Europe’s connectivity needs—anywhere, anytime.”
The Luxembourg-headquartered venture will also need to deploy a “small network of earth stations” that integrate with operators of existing 4G/5G terrestrial networks, providing secure backhaul links, as well as extended coverage across Europe from the AST SpaceMobile satellite constellation. “This will enable users to switch automatically between space and land-based networks,” said the announcement.
Naturally the new SatCo will be going up against a similar Direct to Cell (DtC) service from Starlink (SpaceX), which is already starting to become operational in the USA and some other countries (note: no agreements have yet been confirmed with UK mobile operators).
Starlink will also have many more satellites, although this is partly mitigated by AST’s advantage of having such a huge phased array antenna for significant coverage. But astronomers are known to be unhappy with the size and brightness of that antenna, which risks causing interference with scientific observations (Starlink has faced similar complaints).
On the other hand, the coverage of this service will still depend upon the SatCo’s ability to get regulatory approval in each country and to build suitable earth stations across their patch. But many regulators, such as Ofcom, are already in the process of introducing new rules to support such services.
The introduction of more competition in this field should hopefully also help to ensure fairer pricing for consumers, governments and businesses. We suspect domestic customers will only need to pay a fairly small additional monthly charge or premium to add such roaming. But we’ve yet to see any solid details on this from the SatCo.