British Vodafone and American AST SpaceMobile plan to build a European satellite mobile network that will expand access to broadband and support emergency response. Commercial deployment is expected in 2026, with Germany becoming the hub for satellite operations.
British and American companies have unveiled plans to create a European satellite constellation to provide satellite-to-smartphone connectivity for commercial and government applications.
UNN reports with reference to Reuters.
Details
British telecommunications company Vodafone and American company AST SpaceMobile plan to build a European satellite mobile network.
Key points of the network plan:
- expand access to mobile broadband in underserved areas;
- support emergency and disaster response efforts.
The initiative is a significant step towards strengthening Europe's independent satellite communication capabilities at a time when secure high-speed data channels are becoming vital for economic and strategic resilience.
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Germany has been chosen as the location for the main satellite operations center (SatCo).
SatCo plans to provide scalable European mobile broadband service via satellite, enabling mobile network operators (MNOs) to serve consumers, businesses, and public sector organizations.
Mobile network operators from 21 EU member states and other European countries have already expressed interest, with commercial deployment expected in 2026.
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