Vodafone & AST launch SatCo for EU Satellite Broadband
Vodafone Group and AST SpaceMobile have announced the formation of a new joint venture, SatCo, a satellite communications company headquartered in Luxembourg.
The venture will spearhead the delivery of space-based cellular broadband services to mobile network operators across Europe, positioning itself as a central pillar in the region’s push for digital sovereignty and resilient, continent-wide connectivity.
SatCo’s objective is to offer a scalable, secure and sovereign satellite network that directly supports Europe’s strategic connectivity goals.
It will deliver mobile broadband via AST SpaceMobile’s unique satellite technology, designed to connect directly to everyday smartphones without additional hardware, ensuring uninterrupted service even in remote or underserved areas.
Enabling seamless, borderless connectivity
SatCo sims will operate as a wholesale provider, integrating satellite connectivity with existing 4G and 5G mobile infrastructure to create a seamless experience for end-users. It will offer its services under a single, turnkey arrangement for mobile operators across the European Union and beyond.
Early market traction has been promising. Mobile operators from 21 EU Member States, along with providers in additional European countries, have already expressed interest in participating.
Commercial launches of the satellite-to-smartphone service are expected to begin in 2026.
Margherita Della Valle, CEO of Vodafone Group, highlights the significance of the development: “This is an important initiative for Europe. Our service will ensure that all European citizens, businesses and governments enjoy uninterrupted, ubiquitous mobile broadband connectivity across the whole continent. Europe can take the lead in new direct-to-device mobile broadband technology.”
A unified European approach to satellite services
The Luxembourg headquarters offers SatCo a unique strategic advantage, given the country’s established reputation as a hub for digital innovation and its commitment to developing a vibrant space ecosystem.
The location will enable SatCo to collaborate closely with European institutions, national governments and key industry stakeholders to align with the EU’s broader connectivity and sovereignty ambitions.
Lex Delles, Luxembourg’s Minister of the Economy, SME, Energy and Tourism, welcomed the move, stating: “The establishment of SatCo’s headquarters in Luxembourg further reinforces the key role of our country as a hub to deploy innovative solutions serving the whole EU single market and its citizens.
"I welcome to Luxembourg AST SpaceMobile, a leading international player joining our thriving space sector and I am glad that this project continues to strengthen the long-standing relationship between Vodafone and Luxembourg.”
“Assuring ubiquitous coverage of mobile broadband connectivity for all users in Luxembourg and in areas of Europe is a key objective for the Luxembourg Government. As such, we welcome the decision of Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile to choose Luxembourg as their European headquarters.”
Powering Europe’s digital decade
The SatCo initiative aligns closely with the EU’s Digital Decade 2030 targets, which aim to ensure universal access to high-speed connectivity and reduce dependency on non-European technologies.
Its infrastructure will include a network of earth stations integrated with terrestrial mobile operators, offering secure backhaul and automatic switching between satellite and land-based coverage.
Abel Avellan, Founder, Chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile, highlighted the broader implications, stating: “With SatCo now based in Luxembourg, Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile are strengthening Europe’s position in direct-to-mobile satellite services and advancing digital independence.
"The joint venture supports European digital sovereignty by creating a unified platform to deliver satellite connectivity across the continent.”
Building resilient infrastructure for a connected Europe
SatCo will provide a robust digital communications solution suitable for use in both the public and private sectors, including emergency services, remote industries and maritime or rural operations.
The initiative aims to reshape mobile connectivity across Europe, enabling seamless and resilient communication anywhere, anytime.
By anchoring the company in Luxembourg and leveraging AST SpaceMobile’s low Earth orbit satellite constellation, Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile are enabling a future where mobile broadband is truly borderless, ensuring Europe remains at the forefront of next-generation communications.
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