A significant development in telecommunications has emerged with the launch of SatCo, a joint venture between Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile. This new entity aims to deliver comprehensive space-based cellular broadband connectivity across Europe. The initiative provides both business and consumer access, ensuring connectivity even in remote areas.
SatCo will distribute AST SpaceMobile’s satellite services exclusively to European mobile network operators (MNOs). This operation is supported by a single turnkey arrangement. Vodafone will leverage its expertise in network management to inform operations. Additionally, SatCo will establish and manage ground stations to facilitate backhaul services between European MNOs and the low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network.
Key to this partnership is enhancing digital sovereignty in Europe. AST SpaceMobile’s satellites function as remote radio heads, allowing MNOs to retain core network capabilities. SatCo will enhance sovereignty by offering backhaul capabilities under Vodafone’s co-ownership, with its European headquarters emphasizing local management.
Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group CEO, emphasized the transformative impact of this collaboration: “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’.”
Moreover, Vodafone achieved a landmark feat by completing the world’s first non-terrestrial video call using unmodified 4G/5G smartphones, enabled by AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites. These satellites support a capacity of up to 40 MHz, delivering data speeds up to 120 Mbps, showcasing their robust capabilities.
Further strengthening the collaborative efforts, Vodafone plans to establish a research hub focused on seamless integration between LEO and terrestrial mobile services. Apart from AST SpaceMobile, the University of Málaga is a key partner, with financial support from the Spanish Space Agency.