Vodafone Group PLC and AST SpaceMobile Inc have announced a joint venture, SatCo, that will deploy a constellation of low‑Earth‑orbit satellites across Europe. The venture will provide space‑based cellular broadband directly to unmodified smartphones, with commercial service slated to begin in 2026.
SatCo’s fleet will consist of BlueBird satellites, a next‑generation platform that can deliver up to 120 Mbps per user. The company plans to launch up to 60 satellites by 2026, creating a dense network that can support both consumer and enterprise traffic without the need for terrestrial infrastructure.
The partnership is strategically positioned to support the European Critical Communication System, offering resilient, high‑speed connectivity for emergency services and disaster‑relief agencies. By extending coverage into underserved areas of 21 EU member states, the constellation will also enable mobile network operators to reach customers that would otherwise be out of reach.
AST SpaceMobile’s technology is unique in that it allows direct connectivity to standard smartphones, a capability that differentiates it from competitors such as Starlink. Vodafone’s long‑standing investment since 2018 and its role in early technology demonstrations underscore the strategic importance of this collaboration for both companies’ European expansion plans.
Regulatory filings with the International Telecommunications Union have been completed through Germany, and the operations centre will be located near Munich or Hannover. SatCo’s headquarters in Luxembourg provides a neutral base for European regulatory compliance and partnership management.
While the announcement does not disclose specific financial commitments, the scale of the venture and the involvement of two major industry players signal a significant capital outlay and a clear intent to capture a growing market for satellite‑based broadband in Europe. The move also reinforces the EU’s digital sovereignty agenda by reducing dependence on non‑European satellite operators.
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