Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile have selected Luxembourg as the headquarters for their newly formed joint venture, SatCo, which aims to deliver space-based mobile broadband services across Europe. The joint venture will provide wholesale, direct-to-device satellite connectivity to mobile network operators in 21 EU member states and beyond, with initial commercial services targeted for 2026. SatCo will operate as a European-based entity to reinforce the continent’s digital sovereignty and support ubiquitous broadband coverage, even in remote or offshore areas.
The SatCo platform will exclusively distribute AST SpaceMobile’s satellite broadband services across Europe, integrating with terrestrial 4G and 5G networks. AST’s low Earth orbit constellation will enable seamless connectivity to standard mobile phones, with demonstrated speeds exceeding 20 Mbps and future peak rates up to 120 Mbps using upgraded satellites launching in 2025. Vodafone will lead engineering and operational efforts, while AST SpaceMobile is expanding its European footprint with a 5,600-square-meter manufacturing and R&D facility in Barcelona.
The venture also includes a research and validation hub in Málaga, supported by the Spanish Space Agency. Government officials from Luxembourg praised the decision to base SatCo in the country, citing it as a strategic move that enhances Europe’s position in satellite-based communications. The companies plan to deploy ground stations across Europe to support backhaul and resilience, with automatic network switching between satellite and terrestrial coverage.
• SatCo will deliver direct-to-device mobile broadband from space across Europe
• Headquartered in Luxembourg to support EU digital sovereignty goals
• Commercial service expected to launch in 2026 with upgraded satellites
• Vodafone completed first European space-based video call in Jan 2025
• AST SpaceMobile expanding R&D and manufacturing in Barcelona
• Research hub established in Málaga with support from Spanish Space Agency
• Service integrates with existing MNOs, no special devices required
• Download speeds expected to reach up to 120 Mbps via 5 MHz channels
“This is an important initiative for Europe. Our service will ensure that European citizens, businesses, and governments enjoy uninterrupted, ubiquitous mobile broadband connectivity across the whole continent,” said Margherita Della Valle, CEO of Vodafone.
AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS), founded in 2017 by Abel Avellan, is a Midland, Texas-based satellite communications company pioneering the first global space-based cellular broadband network. Its SpaceMobile constellation aims to deliver 4G and 5G connectivity directly to unmodified smartphones, addressing coverage gaps for over 5 billion mobile subscribers worldwide. The company’s large BlueBird satellites, equipped with massive phased-array antennas, enable broadband speeds without requiring specialized devices, targeting rural, remote, and underserved regions. Key innovations include:
- Large Satellite Architecture: BlueBird satellites feature 693-square-foot antennas, the largest commercial arrays in LEO, forming over 5,600 coverage cells across the U.S. to bypass terrestrial infrastructure.
- Direct-to-Device Connectivity: Using standard mobile frequencies, the system connects to unmodified smartphones, achieving download speeds up to 21 Mbit/s and enabling voice, data, and video services.
- Prototype Success: The BlueWalker 3 satellite, launched in September 2022, demonstrated the world’s first space-based 5G call and two-way video call using standard smartphones.
- ASIC Development: A new application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) in development promises a 10x increase in processing capacity for next-generation satellites.
The company plans to deploy 248 satellites by 2030, with 25 needed for intermittent service and 90 for continuous 5G broadband.
AST SpaceMobile has secured strategic alliances with major mobile network operators (MNOs) and technology leaders.
- AT&T: A commercial agreement through 2030 includes revenue-sharing models to deliver space-based broadband, with AT&T providing spectrum and regulatory support.
- Verizon: A $100 million partnership, announced in May 2024, aims to eliminate U.S. dead zones using Verizon’s 850 MHz spectrum.
- Vodafone: A long-term agreement through 2034, extended in December 2024, targets Europe and Africa. A joint venture in Luxembourg, announced in June 2025, will serve European MNOs, with Vodafone contributing spectrum and expertise.
- Vodafone Idea (Vi): A June 2025 partnership focuses on India’s 400 million unconnected users, leveraging Vi’s mid-band and mmWave 5G spectrum.
- Google: A January 2024 collaboration supports product development and testing for Android smartphone integration.
- Rakuten Mobile, Bell Canada, American Tower: These partners provide spectrum access and infrastructure support, enhancing global reach.
- U.S. Government: A $43 million contract with the U.S. Space Development Agency and FirstNet testing on Band 14 spectrum signal defense and public safety applications.