Vodafone & AST SpaceMobile create satellite company for direct mobile service in Europe

2025-07-01 13:01:00, Aktualitet CNA

Vodafone & AST SpaceMobile create satellite company for direct mobile

Another giant step forward for European digital sovereignty has been taken. Vodafone Group and AST SpaceMobile Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS) officially announced the establishment of the Luxembourg-based joint venture SatCo – the first innovative satellite company to deliver mobile broadband services directly from space to existing smartphones.

Through this initiative, Europe places itself at the forefront of direct-to-device technology, offering a unique and integrated solution that complements existing terrestrial networks and guarantees stable connections in every corner of the territory, in mountains, at sea or in isolated areas. SatCo aims to provide uninterrupted mobile connectivity to citizens, businesses and public institutions across the continent.

Broad interest from European operators, mobile operators from 21 European Union member states and other European countries have expressed interest in the service that SatCo will offer exclusively through a “turnkey” agreement, starting in 2026. The new company will build a small network of earth stations connected to the 4G/5G networks of existing operators, creating a hybrid infrastructure, allowing automatic switching between the satellite and terrestrial networks. This will enable secure, stable and uninterrupted connectivity for users, at any time and in any place.

A contribution to the European digital decade Vodafone Group CEO, Margherita Della Valle, stated:

"This is an important initiative for Europe. Our service will ensure that all citizens, businesses and governments have uninterrupted access to mobile broadband internet, across the continent. Europe has the opportunity to lead the way in the new technology of direct connection via satellites."

The establishment of SatCo was announced in March this year by Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile and represents a key element for meeting the objectives of the EU Digital Decade 2030.

Luxembourg, strategic center for the development of the European satellite industry

Luxembourg's Minister of Economy, SMEs, Energy and Tourism, Mr. Lex Delles, welcomed the decision to locate SatCo's headquarters in Luxembourg:

"This project further strengthens Luxembourg's role as a strategic hub for innovative solutions, serving the entire European single market. We welcome AST SpaceMobile and congratulate them on the continued fruitful cooperation with Vodafone."

While Ms. Elisabeth Margue, Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister for Media and Digital Connectivity, emphasized:

"Ensuring full mobile connectivity coverage for all users, in Luxembourg and beyond, is a key objective for the government. We are excited about expanding our digital connectivity ecosystem through shared terrestrial and satellite infrastructure."

A step towards European digital independence

AST SpaceMobile Founder and CEO, Abel Avellan, emphasized:

“With SatCo's headquarters in Luxembourg, we are strengthening Europe's position in direct satellite services for mobile devices and contributing to the region's digital sovereignty.

Together, we are building a secure and resilient mobile infrastructure that meets Europe's connectivity needs – anywhere, anytime."

With this strategic collaboration, Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile open a new chapter for European digital connectivity, making the continent better prepared for future challenges and more united through technology./ CNA