The new centre will allocate and map satellite links for mobile network operators helping to deliver mobile broadband to remote areas and support emergency and disaster relief communications.

The location, near Munich or Hannover, will be confirmed following final discussions with local authorities and partners.

AST SpaceMobile is developing ta space-based mobile broadband network to connect directly to smartphones. The company plans to launch a scalable satellite service across Europe from 2026, offering coverage for commercial and government use.

The European satellite network will allow control of encryption keys, telemetry, and satellite beam operations to give European authorities the ability to manage communications securely.

The system will provide direct broadband connections from space to the smartphones and devices of emergency responder in remote or dangerous locations.

Vodafone Group CEO Margherita Della Valle said:  By establishing a satellite constellation in the EU and our principal command centre in Germany, we are ensuring the next frontier of communications infrastructure is embedded in Europe.”

AST SpaceMobile Founder, Chairman and CEO Abel Avellan (below( added  “ Germany’s Operations Centre will be the hub for our BlueBird constellation in Europe, enabling us to serve millions of users. Alongside our gateways, we are building a robust, secure infrastructure that keeps Europe connected with seamless mobile broadband.”

AST SpaceMobile confirmed it has the funding to launch 45 to 60 satellites by 2026. Launches will take place every one to two months during 2025 and 2026. Investors think thus gives the company a clear and achievable rollout plan.

A major driver of investor interest is AST’s partnership with Vodafone. The project aims to deliver direct-to-device satellite mobile broadband across Europe. The service will allow standard smartphones to connect to satellites without extra hardware or software. For mobile operators, it offers a turnkey way to extend coverage beyond terrestrial networks.

Vodafone plans to roll out Europe’s first commercial direct-to-smartphone broadband satellite service in 2025-2026, expanding network coverage to rural and underserved areas across the continent.

Operating from low Earth orbit, Vodafone says its satellite service using AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites is currently the only service that offers direct mobile broadband from space to standard 4G and 5G smartphones. The service will augment Vodafone’s terrestrial network, offering connectivity in areas where mobile coverage has been impossible.

The Vodafone AST joint venture is based in Luxembourg. It will run ground stations and network operations from there. Vodafone contributes engineering expertise and backhaul capabilities aligned with European sovereignty goals. This supports Europe’s aim for digital independence and near-universal mobile coverage, including in remote areas such as mountains and offshore waters.

Vodafone backed AST early on. It ordered its first Block 1 BlueBird gateway and signed a long-term deal for services through 2034. This will allow Vodafone to offer mobile broadband in places unreachable by traditional networks.

The trial, named the “Early Test,” will assess how LEO-based 5G connectivity can integrate with terrestrial networks.

ESA will provide access to its ECSAT facility in Oxfordshire for the campaign, which aims to assess the technical feasibility of delivering 5G mmWave services from space.

CTO and ESA will conduct in-orbit testing of 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) technologies and share technical infrastructure and resources to support the trial.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to support European capabilities in satellite connectivity and reduce reliance on U.S. and Chinese LEO systems.

CTO’s proposed service model is based on a shared infrastructure approach that would allow mobile operators to extend coverage in areas where terrestrial networks are limited or unavailable, including rural and emergency scenarios.

“This alliance with ESA reflects a shared ambition: to build competitive European sovereignty in space connectivity, powered by bold technology designed and developed in Europe,” said Charles Delfieux, CEO and founder of CTO. “We’re proving that it’s possible to compete on a global scale without compromise—giving telecom operators back control over their future in space. Space is the new frontier for telecoms.”

Laurent Jaffart, ESA’s Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications, echoed the strategic significance: “This agreement aligns with ESA’s strategy to support the rise of innovative European players and jointly build resilient connectivity infrastructures that serve our continent and beyond.”

The project enters a market that is seeing increased interest in direct-to-device and space-based mobile connectivity, with players such as AST SpaceMobile—backed by Vodafone—also pursuing commercial deployment of LEO-based mobile broadband.

CTO’s approach, however, focuses on a neutral-host model, aiming to support multiple operators rather than operating its own retail service.

For telecom operators, the project could offer a new model for satellite backhaul and hybrid network architecture using existing licensed spectrum.

Regulator outlines three potential authorisation routes as Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile lead UK charge in satellite-to-smartphone connectivity

Ofcom has launched a consultation on proposals to authorise the use of mobile spectrum bands for satellite Direct-to-Device (D2D) services — a move that could transform mobile connectivity in rural and remote areas of the UK.

Says Ofcom: ” D2D services have the potential to cause harmful interference to other spectrum users.

Under the proposals, Satellite Operators would be permitted to deliver D2D services *only* in partnership with the network that holds the licence for the relevant spectrum. The aim is to enable mobile handsets to connect directly to satellites when they are out of range of terrestrial mobile towers — whether due to being in permanent not-spots or during temporary outages.

Ofcom is consulting on three options to regulate the new services: a full licence exemption,  a variation to the MNO’s current base station licence combined with a handset licence exemption, or a brand-new licensing regime. Ofcom’s preferred route is a new licensing system, offering a more controlled but flexible approach. The consultation closes at 5pm on Tuesday 20 May 2025.

Ofcom has also outlined technical safeguards, including aggregate power limits rather than “per satellite” transmission caps, to prevent harmful interference with other spectrum users. Ofcom said it would revisit the framework following the World Radiocommunications Conference in 2027 as D2D technologies and constellations mature.

The move comes as UK operators, particularly Vodafone, explore D2D capabilities in earnest. Vodafone is already a major partner of AST SpaceMobile, a U.S.-based satellite venture aiming to deliver space-based mobile broadband directly to standard handsets. The companies have been testing low Earth orbit (LEO) connectivity in various markets and are positioning themselves at the forefront of the satellite-to-smartphone revolution (see main pic)

Consumer experience is expected to evolve in line with the technology, with early D2D services likely limited to SMS text before expanding into voice and data. Ofcom noted that different business models — including seamless handovers between terrestrial and satellite networks or stand-alone satellite services — could impact user experience, especially in emergency scenarios.

Ofcom’s proposals could help make the UK a key market for D2D innovation — but much will depend on how quickly MNOs and satellite players can align on viable commercial and technical models.

This initiative will enable seamless switching between 4G/5G networks and satellite connections using standard smartphones.

The Málaga hub will focus on designing, testing, and validating open-source hardware, software, and next-generation processing chips capable of operating seamlessly across both space and terrestrial networks.

A dedicated *space-to-land gateway* will allow operators and technology partners to test and refine their services using AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites before commercial deployment (above).

Currently, satellite services require dishes, terminals, or satellite phones for direct connections. Vodafone’s vision is to make satellite connectivity as seamless as switching between WiFi and mobile networks. Earlier this month, T-Mobile US announced it was beta-testing direct connections between regular devices and Starlink satellites (below)

Last month, Vodafone made the world’s first space-powered mobile video call using this technology, connecting a phone directly to AST SpaceMobile’s satellites. The new hub will accelerate Vodafone’s mission to eliminate coverage gaps for its 340 million customers across 15 countries, as well as for network partners in 45 additional markets.

Vodafone is promising an era where users can stay connected anywhere—whether deep in the mountains, out at sea, or in remote rural areas where traditional networks struggle.

The research centre will be housed within Vodafone’s European Innovation Centre in Málaga and will be backed by a grant from the Spanish Space Agency. Key collaborations include AST SpaceMobile and the University of Málaga (UMA) . Vodafone is also inviting tech innovators, developers, and industry partners to help build a new European ecosystem for hybrid space-terrestrial communications.

Alberto Ripepi, Vodafone Group Chief Network Officer, commented:

*”As society becomes increasingly digital, eliminating coverage gaps is more crucial than ever. Vodafone is committed to forging partnerships that seamlessly unite space and terrestrial networks, helping Europe achieve its ambitious digital connectivity goals.”*

Chris Ivory, AST SpaceMobile Chief Commercial Officer, added:

*”This partnership marks a major leap forward in our vision to deliver space-based broadband directly to everyday smartphones. By combining AST SpaceMobile’s cutting-edge satellite technology with Vodafone’s extensive network expertise, we’re paving the way for global, real-time connectivity without the need for special devices.”*

Vodafone plans to scale the hub into a fully managed network and service operations center , supporting third-party companies across Europe.

Vodafone will also leverage its expertise Open RAN to apply similar principles to space-based mobile broadband , ensuring cost-effective, scalable, and resilient satellite-mobile integration.

The Spanish Ministry of Industry has awarded the company an additional €14 million in funding under the European Commission’s Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) Programme.

The availablility of the service comes less than two weeks after Vodafone demonstrated a satellite video call from a regular smartphone using AST SpaceMobile’s constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites.  Shares of AST SpaceMobile jumpedy 17.47 percent  after

T-Mobile’s service leverages Starlink to extend connectivity to 500,000 square miles of the U.S. that have previously been unreachable by traditional land-based cell towers.

The newly unveiled T-Mobile Starlink service operates with satellites equipped with Direct-to-Cell capabilities. These satellites orbit over 200 miles above Earth at speeds exceeding 17,000 miles per hour. Currently, the service supports text messaging, with plans to introduce picture messaging, data, and voice calls in the near future.

T-Mobile Starlink automatically connects to a phone. Users don’t need to manually connect or install any special hardware. When a phone moves out of a standard cell tower’s range, it will automatically switch to the T-Mobile Starlink network. This functionality extends to most smartphones manufactured within the last four years, ensuring compatibility without requiring specific operating systems or models.

Emergency Alerts and Coverage

T-Mobile Starlink can broadcast Wireless Emergency Alerts to compatible devices within its satellite coverage. This feature ensures that people in remote areas receive critical notifications, such as severe weather warnings or natural disaster alerts.

Pricing and Availability

The beta service is free until July. After that, T-Mobile Starlink will be bundled at no extra charge with business plans. Other T-Mobile customers can add the service for $15 per month per line. Early adopters who sign up for the beta will receive a $10 per month discount, reducing the cost by a third.

Operating from low Earth orbit, Vodafone says its satellite service using AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites is currently the only service that offers direct mobile broadband from space to standard 4G and 5G smartphones. The service will augment Vodafone’s terrestrial network, offering connectivity in areas where mobile coverage has been impossible.

The BlueBird satellites are low orbit satellites ( from AST SpaceMobile that are designed to connect cell phones to cellular broadband. The satellites are part of AST SpaceMobile’s SpaceMobile constellation. 

The network made the world’s first space-based video call made using standard 4G/5G smartphones The breakthrough call was placed by Vodafone engineer Rowan Chesmer from a remote area of mid-Wales to Vodafone Group Chief Executive Margherita Della Valle, using AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites.

Vodafone says this marks a significant leap forward in mobile communications, demonstrating how satellite technology can eliminate coverage gaps without requiring specialized hardware such as satellite phones or terminals.

The call also unveiled Europe’s first space-to-land gateway located at Vodafone’s Newbury headquarters, which seamlessly integrates satellite and terrestrial networks.

Connectivity Without Additional Hardware

Traditional satellite-based services rely on specialised terminals, But Vodafone’s solution is said to allow standard smartphones to automatically switch between satellite and terrestrial networks. The technology offers full mobile broadband services, including voice calls, video calls, and internet access, bringing connectivity to previously unreachable locations.

Said Vodafone CEO Margherita Della Valle  (main pic) “By integrating cutting-edge satellite technology with our European 5G network, we are providing customers with seamless connectivity—whether for work, personal communication, or emergencies.”

Astronaut Tim Peake, (main pic) who joined Della Valle for the unveiling in Newbury added: *”Having spent six months on the International Space Station, I understand the value of staying in touch. Vodafone’s achievement brings us closer to a world where no one is out of reach”.

Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant said satellite-powered mobile broadband is key to bridging the digital divide.

“Ensuring connectivity for Britain’s hardest-to-reach areas is a top priority. Vodafone’s satellite and 5G innovation is a game-changer, addressing mobile coverage gaps and enhancing digital inclusion,”* said Bryant (below)

Vodafone UK’s Chief Executive Max Taylor, who will be CEO of the new combined Vodafone/Three business, added: “The use of satellites in conjunction with our land-based network will ensure customers have the coverage they deserve. We’re excited to have successfully tested the technology and look forward to making it more widely available in the UK.”

 AST SpaceMobile Partnership

The technology is a result of Vodafone’s collaboration with AST SpaceMobile a company specialising in space-based broadband solutions. Vodafone has been a major investor in AST

“This historic milestone marks another step forward in our partnership with Vodafone Together, we’ve achieved several world firsts, including the first space-based voice call, the first 4G download above 10 Mbps, and the first 5G voice call,” said founder and chairman Abel Avellan.

Avellan has over 25 years experience in the space industry and is an inventor on 24 U.S. patents. He was appointed as a Commissioner to the ITU/UNESCO Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development in 2024, named Satellite Teleport Executive of the Year in 2017, and received the Satellite Transaction of the Year award by Euroconsult in 2015.

BlueBIrd v Starlink

How can a normal phone transmit to a satellite?A normal mobile phone can communicate with an AST SpaceMobile satellite thanks to a combination of advanced satellite technology and optimized signal processing, even though the phone itself isn’t designed to transmit powerful signals over such vast distances. Here’s how it works:

1. Advanced Satellite Antennas (Massive Phased Array)
– AST SpaceMobile satellites are equipped with huge, highly sensitive phased array antennas—like the BlueWalker 3, which has a 64-square-meter  array.
– These large antennas can focus on very weak signals, compensating for the low power output of a standard phone.
– They create high-gain beams that effectively “listen” for the faint signals from mobile devices.

*2. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Advantage
– Unlike traditional geostationary satellites (~36,000 km away), AST SpaceMobile’s satellites operate in LEO) at around 500-700 km altitude.
– This drastically reduces the distance the signal must travel, making it easier for the phone to connect using its regular transmission power.

3. Signal Optimisation Techniques
– AST uses advanced modulation, error correction, and signal processing algorithms to clean up and amplify the weak signals from mobile phones.
– Time and frequency adjustments help maintain a stable connection despite the satellite’s rapid movement across the sky.

4. Direct-to-Cell Technology
– AST’s system is designed  for direct-to-cell communication, meaning it’s optimised to work with the power levels and protocols of regular mobile phones without modification.
– They work within existing 4G and 5G standards, so a phone treats the satellite like just another cell tower.

5. Brief Connection Windows
– Because LEO satellites move quickly, a phone might only have a connection window of a few minutes as the satellite passes overhead.
– The system is designed to handover the connection to the next satellite seamlessly as it comes into range.

AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites and Starlink provide global connectivity, but they operate in fundamentally different ways:

Direct-to-Device vs. Dish-Based Connectivity – AST SpaceMobile offers direct-to-phone connectivity without requiring special equipment. Standard 4G/5G mobile phones can now connect directly to the satellites as if they were communicating with a traditional cell tower. Starlink Requires a dedicated satellite dish and a Wi-Fi router. It does not connect directly to mobile phones.

Orbit and Coverage AST SpaceMobile operates in Low Earth orbit at around 700 km. Its large phased-array satellites function as space-based cell towers extending the reach of mobile networks into remote areas. Starlink also uses LEO satellites but at a much lower altitude of 340km to 550 km. Starlink relies on a thousands of satellites to provide broadband internet.

Target Market and Use Case AST SpaceMobile: Focuses on eliminating mobile dead zones by enabling satellite-to-phone connectivity through partnerships with mobile network operators. Starlink Provides broadband internet primarily for*fixed and mobile users with Starlink terminals.

Bandwidth and Speed AST SpaceMobile speeds are around10 Mbps initially) suitable for voice, text, and light data applications Starlink offers high-speed broadband with speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 250 Mbps for most users, with latency as low as 20-40ms.

Business Model AST SpaceMobile Works with mobile operators to extend their network coverage, charging them for satellite connectivity, which they then offer to customers as part of their service plans. Starlink Operates as an independent ISP directly selling internet access to consumers and businesses.

Key Takeaway For seamless mobile coverage anywhere with just a phone, AST SpaceMobile is the game-changer. For high-speed broadband for homes, vehicles, or remote locations, Starlink is the better option. 

]]> https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/vodafone-connects-first-space-video-call-ast-spacemobile-bluebird-satellites-using-standard-phone/feed/ 0 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/vodafone-ast-spacemobile-plan-network-space/ https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/vodafone-ast-spacemobile-plan-network-space/#respond Wed, 16 Dec 2020 13:24:05 +0000 https://mncwp.tailrd.cloud/vodafone-ast-spacemobile-plan-network-space/ 20-satellites to bring 4G and 5G to 16 billion people