Europe’s Space Race: Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile’s Bold Move to Revolutionize Connectivity
Europe has often found itself playing catch-up in the global race for space-based technologies, particularly when compared to the US and China. However, a new partnership between Vodafone Group Plc and AST SpaceMobile Inc. signals a significant leap forward for the continent. By combining forces to create a joint satellite service business, the companies aim to provide 100% mobile coverage across Europe via space-based broadband. This collaboration could transform connectivity in regions where traditional mobile infrastructure is lacking, offering Europe an opportunity to not only enhance digital resilience but also assert its leadership in the rapidly evolving space telecommunications sector.
Vodafone Group Plc, a leading European and African telecommunications company, and AST SpaceMobile Inc., the company building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by everyday smartphones, designed for both commercial and government application, have signed an agreement to create a jointly-owned European satellite service business (“SatCo”) to serve mobile network operators (MNOs) in all European markets.
SatCo will seek to provide 100% geographic coverage in every part of Europe to give consumers and businesses access to secure space-based cellular broadband connectivity via their MNO.
The new venture will exclusively distribute AST SpaceMobile’s satellite services to European MNOs under a single turnkey arrangement. This will be underpinned by a full network management and network operations centre capability, based in Europe, drawing on Vodafone’s advanced engineering expertise. SatCo will build and run a network of ground stations to provide backhaul services from these MNOs across Europe to the satellite network in low Earth orbit.
Ensuring Digital Sovereignty: SatCo’s Role in Strengthening Europe’s Space-Based Connectivity
SatCo’s solution will fully support European digital sovereignty. AST SpaceMobile’s satellites already operate as remote radio heads where the core network capability remains with the MNO. SatCo builds on this by providing fully sovereign backhaul capabilities under Vodafone co-ownership, with European headquarters and management.
Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group CEO said:
“Vodafone’s space-based mobile broadband will mean our customers can stay connected, wherever they are. Our new satellite company will be able to offer this pioneering technology to other European mobile operators through a turnkey service that combines Vodafone’s leading network and engineering with AST SpaceMobile’s ‘antennas in the sky’.”
“Together with Vodafone, we are poised to accelerate our commercialization plans across all of Europe, making true mobile broadband from space a reality”
said Abel Avellan, Founder, Chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile.
On 27 January 2025, Vodafone successfully made the world’s first space-based mobile video call from an area without any mobile coverage on the recently launched BlueBirds satellites, supporting the company’s aim to provide ubiquitous mobile coverage for its 340 million customers in 15 countries and its network partners in 45 more markets.
Vodafone is spearheading the introduction of commercial space-based mobile broadband connectivity across Europe during 2025 and 2026.
AST SpaceMobile’s Groundbreaking Satellite Technology and Europe’s New Communications Infrastructure
Operating from low Earth orbit, AST SpaceMobile is the only satellite technology in the world today that will offer mobile broadband directly to multiple 4G or 5G smartphones without the need for any specialized software or device support or updates, working seamlessly as an extension of Vodafone’s leading land-based networks.
Satellite is a complementary, bolt-on technology providing valuable coverage where no feasible mobile or fixed alternative exists at present. Together, the satellite service and terrestrial network will give Europe a communications infrastructure for use at any location, including mountains, or out at sea, at any time, as well as boosting overall resilience.
READ MORE: Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile Achieve Global First with 5G Call from Space Using a Standard Smartphone
On 19 February 2025, Vodafone, AST SpaceMobile, and the University of Málaga also launched a new space and land mobile broadband research and validation hub, supported by the Spanish Space Agency.
Set to open by Summer 2025 at Vodafone’s existing Innovation Centre in Malaga, the hub will develop integrated low Earth orbit space-based and land mobile broadband services.
In support of its European expansion, AST SpaceMobile is also enhancing its presence in Spain with the recent opening of 5,600 square meters of manufacturing and office space in Barcelona.
Final thoughts
These strategic initiatives will enhance AST SpaceMobile’s capabilities to serve the European market by increasing production capacity and accelerating the rigorous testing of its satellite and telecommunications systems.
As Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile’s partnership advances, the European telecom landscape is poised for a major shift in its approach to connectivity. With space-based mobile broadband, Europe could challenge the dominance of market leaders like Starlink in the global satellite broadband race. While the US has led the charge in satellite internet, Europe’s growing push toward digital sovereignty, supported by strategic collaborations like this, is positioning the continent to better meet its own needs and counterbalance external technological influences.
Moreover, the upcoming IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Security by Satellites) initiative will provide the European Union with further tools to secure its own space-based infrastructure, amplifying the region’s ability to manage its digital and satellite resources independently. As new players like AST SpaceMobile enter the market, Europe’s focus on sovereign satellite technology could not only address gaps in mobile coverage but also enhance its geopolitical and economic standing in an increasingly interconnected world. This move, alongside IRIS², signals that Europe is ready to redefine its role in the global space economy and digital communications.
About Vodafone Group
Vodafone is a leading European and African telecoms company. The operator provides mobile and fixed services to over 340 million customers in 15 countries, partners with mobile networks in over 45 more, and has one of the world’s largest IoT platforms. In Africa, Vodafone’s financial technology businesses serve almost 83 million customers across seven countries – managing more transactions than any other provider.
About AST SpaceMobile
AST SpaceMobile is a US-based company focused on building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network designed to provide mobile connectivity directly to everyday smartphones. The company is developing a network of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites that will offer seamless 4G and 5G mobile broadband services globally, without requiring specialized software or hardware.
