On Friday, Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to establish a satellite network in Europe that will link satellites to mobile phones for both commercial and governmental applications. According to Reuters, the operational center for this satellite network will be located in Germany, with potential sites near Munich or Hanover currently under consideration by the companies. The initiative will be managed through a joint venture between the two firms.
Satellite service providers are eager to offer mobile connectivity as the demand for broadband internet in underserved areas rises.
Data from the Paris-based consulting firm Novaspace suggests that the satellite communication market for phones could exceed $10 billion by 2033.
The German center will facilitate communication for mobile network operators across Europe, supporting broadband services, population protection, and disaster response, Vodafone and AST stated.
The satellite network will feature a command and control system for oversight and security, including encrypted communications and satellite monitoring over Europe, they added.
Commercial operations for the satellite network are planned for 2026.
Vodafone CEO Margherita Della Valle stated in a press release that this "sovereign satellite solution" will provide operators in Europe with secure satellite communication that complements terrestrial networks.