Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile’s Joint Venture, SatCo, Select Luxembourg as Headquarters
AST SpaceMobile and its long-standing partner, Vodafone, have strengthened their collaboration by establishing a new joint venture, SatCo, which will be headquartered in Luxembourg. Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile first announced the formation of SatCo in March 2025, describing it as a Europe-led initiative aimed at enhancing digital sovereignty in the region and supporting the EU Digital Decade 2030 objectives. The new entity aims to deliver direct-to-device connectivity services to European customers beginning in 2026. The objective is to achieve comprehensive coverage across Europe’s entire landmass, thereby addressing the issue of connectivity dead zones throughout the continent.
According to SatCo, network operators from over 21 European countries have already expressed interest in participating in this initiative. SatCo intends to leverage its Luxembourg headquarters as a foundation for becoming the first provider of direct-to-device satellite services in Europe. The joint venture will deploy a network of ground stations across the continent to integrate with existing terrestrial networks, establish secure backhaul links, and extend coverage via AST’s growing BlueBird satellite constellation.
Currently, AST operates five BlueBird satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) on inclined trajectories, with a batch of Block 2 BlueBird satellites scheduled for launch this month. Four additional launches are planned, which are expected to raise the total number of operational satellites to 60 within the next year. “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,” said Vodafone CEO Margherita Della Valle.
SatCo may face challenges due to changing European regulations related to satellite light pollution. The deployment of BlueBird satellites in low Earth orbit in October was noted by the astronomical community, as the 64-square-metre antennas on these satellites cause them to shine at up to a magnitude of 0.4, brighter than most of the brightest stars. The proposed European Space Act includes requirements for satellite operators to limit light pollution, which could require operational changes. In April, AST entered into a coordination agreement with the US National Science Foundation to implement actions intended to reduce future satellite light pollution. Whether these actions will meet regulatory standards is yet to be determined.