Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile launch European satellite operations in Germany
Vodafone and its partner AST SpaceMobile will establish their main European satellite operations center in Germany to manage a new satellite network, the companies said Friday.
The center, to be located near Munich or Hannover, will support their Luxembourg-based joint venture, SatCo, which aims to provide mobile broadband to underserved areas and support emergency services across Europe.
The move is the latest in a series of strategic initiatives by Vodafone under Chief Executive Margherita Della Valle, following recent acquisitions in Romania and Germany.
Commercial launch of the satellite service, which will connect directly to standard smartphones, is planned to begin in 2026, according to the announcement.
"SatCo delivers a sovereign satellite solution to the whole of Europe," Ms. Della Valle said.
"It will give European operators access to secure and resilient satellite communications, complementing existing terrestrial telecommunications networks."
The companies said the planned satellite network will include a "command switch" feature to provide European oversight and security.
AST SpaceMobile has submitted filings through Germany with the International Telecommunication Union to register the new satellite constellation.
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