Orange Teams Up with AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone to Advance…

Sarah J · 2026-03-11T16:49:34.000Z

French telecommunications company Orange has announced a partnership with AST SpaceMobile and Satellite Connect Europe, a joint venture between AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone, to expand direct-to-device satellite connectivity for mobile users. The collaboration aims to enable smartphones to connect directly to satellites, improving mobile coverage in remote and underserved regions. Under the agreement, the companies will work together to develop satellite-to-cell technology that allows ordinary smartphones to send and receive signals directly through satellites without requiring additional hardware. This approach is designed to complement traditional terrestrial mobile networks and help eliminate coverage gaps where ground infrastructure is limited. As part of the collaboration, the companies plan to conduct demonstrations covering voice, SMS, and mobile data services in Romania during the second half of 2026. The trials will test the ability of satellite networks to seamlessly support everyday smartphone communication. The initiative will be carried out through Satellite Connect Europe, a partnership between AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone that aims to build a European satellite ecosystem supporting both commercial telecom services and government communication needs. The partnership forms part of Orange’s broader strategy to integrate satellite technologies with its terrestrial networks to ensure reliable connectivity. The company already works with several satellite providers, including Eutelsat, SES, Starlink, and Telesat, adopting a multi-provider approach to strengthen service resilience and expand coverage across Europe and Africa. Industry experts note that direct-to-device satellite connectivity is becoming a major trend in the telecom sector, as operators seek to deliver continuous connectivity regardless of geography while supporting emergency communications and rural connectivity initiatives.

Member Login Get Access

Orange Teams Up with AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone to Advance… | SEINET