Vodafone Idea taps AST SpaceMobile for satellite-powered mobile connectivity across India

Vodafone Idea taps AST SpaceMobile for satellite-powered mobile connectivity across India

Vodafone Idea (Vi) has partnered with AST SpaceMobile to bring satellite-powered mobile broadband connectivity to India’s remotest regions, marking a significant leap in its efforts to complement terrestrial networks with space-based solutions.

As part of the collaboration, both companies will work on the SpaceMobile Satellite System, a space-based cellular broadband ecosystem designed to directly connect standard smartphones to satellite networks, without the need for specialized software or hardware. AST SpaceMobile will develop, manufacture, and manage the satellite constellation, while Vi will handle terrestrial network integration, spectrum operations, and market access.

“Vi has always been committed to leveraging technology to connect every Indian, and we see satellite communication as a complement to terrestrial connectivity. As satellite-based mobile access becomes a reality in India, we are looking forward to ushering in a new era of seamless and resilient connectivity,” said Avneesh Khosla, Chief Marketing Officer, Vi.

The partnership combines Vi’s nationwide mobile infrastructure with AST SpaceMobile’s technology, which recently made history by enabling the world’s first voice and video call from space using a regular mobile phone—demonstrating its readiness for real-world deployment.
“India, with its vast and dynamic telecom market, is the ideal place to demonstrate how our space-based cellular broadband can seamlessly complement terrestrial networks,” said Chris Ivory, Chief Commercial Officer, AST SpaceMobile.

“We are not just expanding coverage; we are breaking down barriers to connectivity, enabling everyday smartphones to access 4G and 5G directly from space. Together with Vodafone Idea, we are excited to unlock new possibilities for emergency response, disaster management, agriculture, remote learning, and countless other applications that will benefit from truly ubiquitous mobile broadband,” he added.

The two companies will also collaborate on developing sector-specific offerings across consumer, enterprise, and IoT segments, driving use cases for industries where conventional connectivity has long been a challenge.

Jagbir Singh, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Vodafone Idea, told Moneycontrol on March 19 that the telco was in talks with satellite communication players, including Starlink and OneWeb, to deliver connectivity in regions where deploying traditional telecom infrastructure or laying fibre is challenging.

His comments came shortly after Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio announced separate partnerships with Elon Musk-led SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet to India. Both operators plan to offer Starlink’s equipment and services through their retail networks to boost connectivity in remote and underserved areas.

Separately, Elon Musk’s Starlink received its Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence earlier this month from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), after meeting all security compliance conditions outlined in its letter of intent (LoI). With this approval, Starlink became the third satcom player—after Eutelsat’s OneWeb and Reliance Jio—to secure a GMPCS licence to offer satellite-based services in India.