Highlights 

  • AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone to establish main Satellite Operations Centre in Germany. 
  • SatCo joint venture to deploy sovereign EU satellite constellations with integrated command switch. 
  • Constellation to enable broadband and emergency communications services starting in 2026. 

AST SpaceMobile Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS) and Vodafone Group Plc (LSE:VOD) announced that Germany has been selected as the location for their primary Satellite Operations Centre under the SatCo joint venture. The centre will oversee satellite connectivity management for mobile network operators throughout Europe, improving broadband access in remote areas and supporting emergency and disaster response operations. 

European Satellite Constellation with Sovereign Oversight 

AST SpaceMobile has filed with the International Telecommunication Union through Germany to register a new mid-band satellite constellation. The constellation will feature a “command switch” mechanism that provides European control and security oversight. This feature enables the updating of telemetry, tracking, and control encryption keys for both S-Band and Q/V-Band frequencies, along with the ability to modify service encryption keys and manage satellite beam activity across Europe. 

The system is designed to deliver direct-to-device mobile broadband connectivity and public protection and disaster relief capabilities, allowing emergency responders to maintain broadband communication through standard smartphones and mobile devices, even during major disruptions. 

Margherita Della Valle, CEO of Vodafone, said: 
“SatCo delivers a sovereign satellite solution to the whole of Europe. It will give European operators access to secure and resilient satellite communications, complementing existing terrestrial telecommunications networks. By establishing a satellite constellation in the EU and our principal command centre in Germany, we are ensuring the next frontier of communications infrastructure is firmly embedded in Europe.” 

Enhancing Connectivity and Critical Communications in Europe 

The initiative aligns with Europe’s Critical Communication System objectives by strengthening emergency communications and supporting PPDR radio frequencies. Engineers at the German operations centre will manage satellite performance, respond to extraterrestrial events such as solar flares, and maintain system continuity. The centre will also include one of SatCo’s ground-based gateway stations, ensuring secure backhaul between satellite and terrestrial 4G/5G networks for seamless connectivity. 

Germany’s location at the heart of Europe will enable SatCo to coordinate coverage across EU member states. The constellation is also under consideration for the EU 2GHz Mobile Satellite Services spectrum, which could allow MNOs to provide cross-border broadband access directly to consumers. 

About the Companies 

AST SpaceMobile Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS) is developing a space-based cellular broadband network designed to connect directly with standard mobile devices. The company operates globally from its vertically integrated manufacturing base in Texas and holds more than 3,700 patents and patent-pending claims. 

Vodafone Group Plc (LSE:VOD) serves over 355 million mobile and broadband customers across Europe and Africa. The company operates in 15 countries, holds investments in five additional markets, and partners with operators in over 40 others. Vodafone’s subsea cable network carries approximately one-sixth of global internet traffic.