Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile Choose Germany for EU Satellite Operations Centre

Image credits: Vodafone

Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile are taking a decisive step toward Europe’s sovereign space-based connectivity future. The two companies have announced that Germany will host the European Satellite Operations Centre for their new joint venture, SatCo, marking a major milestone in Europe’s ambitions for digital independence and resilient satellite communications.

The centre, expected to be located near Munich or Hannover, will oversee and manage satellite connectivity across Europe, ensuring reliable mobile broadband coverage in underserved areas and seamless support for emergency and disaster-response operations.

AST SpaceMobile, traded on NASDAQ under ASTS, is building the world’s first and only space-based cellular broadband network designed to connect directly with standard smartphones. Its European joint venture, SatCo, will extend that innovation to deliver scalable satellite broadband services to mobile network operators (MNOs) throughout the EU. The service is slated for commercial rollout in 2026, with interest already expressed by MNOs across 21 EU member states.

A Constellation Built for Sovereignty and Security

At the heart of the initiative lies a planned EU satellite constellation equipped with a “command switch”, a feature allowing European oversight and encryption management. This capability enables real-time control over telemetry, tracking, encryption keys, and beam direction for both S-Band (smartphone connections) and Q/V-Band (links between satellites and Earth stations).

Beyond consumer connectivity, the system will play a crucial role in public protection and disaster relief (PPDR) by enabling responders to maintain high-speed communication even in the most remote or hazardous conditions.

Strengthening Europe’s Strategic Connectivity

“SatCo delivers a sovereign satellite solution for all of Europe,” said Margherita Della Valle, CEO of Vodafone. “By establishing our constellation and operations hub within the EU, we’re ensuring that the next frontier of communications infrastructure is firmly embedded in Europe.”

Abel Avellan, Founder, Chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile, added, “Germany’s Operations Centre will anchor our BlueBird constellation in Europe. Together with Vodafone, we’re enabling seamless, secure mobile broadband for millions of users across the continent.”

Supporting EU Critical Communications

The planned constellation aligns with the EU Critical Communication System (EUCCS) framework, enhancing Europe’s capacity for coordinated emergency communications. It also supports frequency bands suited for PPDR radio communications, subject to national regulatory approvals.

Engineers at the centre will monitor space weather events such as solar flares and maintain secure terrestrial-satellite integration. It will also serve as part of a network of SatCo gateway stations providing backhaul between satellites and 4G/5G terrestrial networks, ensuring uninterrupted, resilient coverage across Europe.

Europe’s Gateway to Seamless Connectivity

AST SpaceMobile has filed with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) through Germany to register the new mid-band satellite constellation, ensuring global interoperability and mitigating signal interference.

Germany’s strategic central location makes it an ideal foundation for SatCo’s sovereign operations, supporting connectivity across all EU member states. If granted access to the EU 2GHz Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) spectrum, SatCo could offer pan-European satellite broadband directly to consumers via existing MNOs.

Proven Innovation and Scale

Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile have already demonstrated several world-firsts in direct-to-device satellite connectivity, including:

• The first space-based video call to an unmodified phone in Europe

• The first 4G and 5G calls from space using standard smartphones

• Download speeds exceeding 20 Mbps on a 5 MHz channel

With more than 50 global MNO partners and 3 billion potential users, AST SpaceMobile’s patented technology continues to set the benchmark for next-generation satellite broadband. Its upcoming Block 2 BlueBird satellites, featuring 2,400 sq. ft. communications arrays, will deliver up to 10x more bandwidth and data speeds up to 120 Mbps, supporting real-time voice, data, and video applications.

As Europe doubles down on digital sovereignty and critical infrastructure resilience, Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile’s collaboration marks a defining moment in establishing a sovereign, secure, and scalable space communications network for the continent.