Vodafone Group PLC (LSE:VOD) and AST SpaceMobile Inc (NASDAQ:ASTS) have announced the next stage in their plans to form a new space-based mobile broadband network connecting directly to standard smartphones.
The network is aiming to provide coverage from 2026, connecting rural and underserved areas, as well as supporting emergency and disaster relief operations.
Mobile network operators in 21 EU countries have expressed interest.
AST SpaceMobile has filed for the registration of a new mid-band satellite constellation with the International Telecommunications Union through Germany, where the joint venture's main satellite operations centre will be based, following the creation of the partners’ Luxembourg-headquartered joint venture, SatCo, in June.
The constellation will feature a “command switch” giving European authorities oversight of encryption keys and satellite operations to ensure security and resilience.
Vodafone chief executive Margherita Della Valle said: “SatCo delivers a sovereign satellite solution to the whole of Europe. It will give European operators access to secure and resilient satellite communications, complementing existing terrestrial telecommunications networks.”
AST SpaceMobile founder and CEO Abel Avellan added: “Germany’s Operations Centre will be the operations hub for our BlueBird constellation in Europe, enabling us to serve millions of users.”
The companies said the constellation would also support Europe’s Critical Communication System, helping emergency services stay connected during crises.