Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile Set New Benchmark with 120 Mbps Direct-to-Device Satellite Service

Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile have announced a major leap in satellite-based mobile connectivity, achieving peak data rates of up to 120 Mbps using their next-generation Block 2 BlueBird satellites.

These satellites, equipped with expansive antenna arrays, are engineered to deliver up to ten times the bandwidth of previous models, enabling seamless voice, data, and video services directly to unmodified smartphones.

This sets a new industry standard and positions satellite broadband as a viable competitor to terrestrial mobile networks, especially in underserved or remote regions.

Seamless Integration with Existing Mobile Networks

The new satellite system is designed to work hand-in-hand with Vodafone’s terrestrial 4G and 5G networks. Smartphones will connect to AST SpaceMobile’s low-Earth-orbit satellites, which then route data through specialized gateways integrated into Vodafone’s existing infrastructure.

This architecture ensures that users experience uninterrupted connectivity, automatically switching between space- and land-based networks as needed. The result is a seamless broadband experience for users, whether they are in urban centers or the most remote corners of Europe.

Did you know?
AST SpaceMobile made history in 2023 by completing the world’s first space-based voice call and 4G download to an unmodified smartphone, paving the way for direct-to-device satellite connectivity that now reaches peak speeds of 120 Mbps.

Strategic European Rollout and Luxembourg Headquarters

SatCo, the joint venture between Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile, will be headquartered in Luxembourg, chosen for its strong digital credentials and strategic location. From this base, SatCo will coordinate the deployment of earth stations and integration with mobile operators across Europe, aiming for commercial service launch in 2026.

Luxembourg’s government has welcomed the move as a boost to the country’s role as an EU hub for digital innovation and space-based connectivity, aligning with broader European ambitions for digital sovereignty.

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Competitive Edge: Direct-to-Device Connectivity Without Special Hardware

A defining feature of the Vodafone-AST SpaceMobile solution is its ability to connect directly to standard, unmodified smartphones; no special hardware or apps are required. This breakthrough was proven in a series of world-first demonstrations, including the first space-based voice call to a regular phone and download speeds exceeding 20 Mbps on a 5 MHz channel.

The leap to 120 Mbps peak rates with the new satellites dramatically enhances the usability of satellite broadband, supporting high-quality video streaming and real-time applications even in areas without terrestrial coverage.

Transforming Europe’s Digital Landscape and Bridging the Connectivity Divide

The partnership’s ambitions align with the European Union’s push for digital sovereignty and universal broadband. By providing reliable, high-speed connectivity in regions where terrestrial networks are limited or absent, Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile are poised to bridge the digital divide and support critical applications in emergency response, remote work, and rural development.

With agreements in place with over 45 mobile network operators globally, the impact of this technology is set to extend far beyond Europe, reaching more than 2.8 billion subscribers worldwide.