Luxembourg: Vodafone Group and AST SpaceMobile Inc. have officially announced that their joint venture satellite company, SatCo, will be headquartered in Luxembourg. This strategic decision marks a major milestone in delivering space-based cellular broadband connectivity across Europe, aiming to revolutionize mobile coverage by integrating satellite and terrestrial networks.
SatCo is set to become Europe’s first sovereign integrated satellite service, providing direct-to-device mobile broadband accessible on everyday smartphones without requiring any additional hardware modifications. The venture targets commercial and government applications, positioning Europe as a global leader in next-generation mobile connectivity.
Luxembourg’s advanced digital infrastructure, central location, and pro-innovation policies make it the ideal base for SatCo’s operations. The country’s government has welcomed the initiative, emphasizing Luxembourg’s role as a key hub for deploying innovative digital solutions serving the entire EU single market.
Mr. Lex Delles, Luxembourg’s Minister of the Economy, SME, Energy and Tourism, stated, “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 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.”
Elisabeth Margue, Minister delegate to the Prime Minister for Media and Connectivity, added, “Assuring ubiquitous coverage of mobile broadband connectivity for all users in Luxembourg and across Europe is a key objective for the Luxembourg Government. We welcome Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile’s decision to choose Luxembourg as their European headquarters, enriching the connectivity ecosystem by developing innovative services based on terrestrial and satellite infrastructure.”
SatCo aims to provide a scalable satellite broadband service that complements existing 4G and 5G terrestrial networks. By deploying a network of earth stations integrated with mobile operators’ infrastructure, SatCo will enable seamless switching between terrestrial and satellite networks. This ensures uninterrupted, secure, and resilient connectivity in remote or underserved areas such as mountains, rural regions, and maritime zones.
The joint venture has already attracted interest from mobile operators covering 21 EU member states and other European countries, signaling strong market demand. Commercial services are slated to launch in 2026, aligning with the EU’s Digital Decade 2030 goals to foster digital inclusion and sovereignty.
Abel Avellan, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of AST SpaceMobile, highlighted the venture’s significance, “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. This joint venture supports European digital sovereignty by creating a unified platform to deliver satellite connectivity across the continent.”
AST SpaceMobile is developing the world’s first and only space-based cellular broadband network that connects directly to standard, unmodified smartphones. This pioneering technology uses satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) as remote radio heads, while the core network remains managed by local mobile operators, ensuring data sovereignty and security.
Together, Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile have achieved several industry firsts, including:
- The world’s first European space-based mobile video call to an unmodified phone from the UK.
- Demonstrations of 4G and 5G capabilities with download speeds exceeding 20 Mbps on a 5 MHz channel.
- Upcoming 2025 satellite launches that will boost peak data rates to 120 Mbps, enabling high-speed broadband anywhere in Europe.
Vodafone CEO Margherita Della Valle stated, “This is an important initiative for Europe. Our service will ensure that European citizens, businesses, and governments enjoy uninterrupted, ubiquitous mobile broadband connectivity across the whole continent. Europe can take the lead in new direct-to-mobile broadband technology.”
SatCo’s establishment is a crucial step toward enhancing Europe’s digital sovereignty by reducing dependence on non-European satellite broadband providers. The venture will foster public-private partnerships to develop a secure and resilient digital communications infrastructure capable of serving diverse sectors, including emergency services, maritime industries, rural communities, and government agencies.
The Luxembourg-based venture will operate a small network of earth stations integrated with existing 4G/5G terrestrial networks, providing secure backhaul links and extensive coverage from the AST SpaceMobile satellite constellation. This infrastructure will enable automatic switching between space and land-based networks, ensuring continuous connectivity across the continent.
The launch of SatCo with headquarters in Luxembourg heralds a new era for Europe’s mobile broadband landscape. By combining Vodafone’s extensive network expertise with AST SpaceMobile’s cutting-edge satellite technology, SatCo will deliver secure, resilient, and ubiquitous mobile broadband connectivity across Europe starting in 2026. This initiative not only enhances digital inclusion but also strengthens Europe’s digital sovereignty and leadership in space-based telecommunications.
