▲ 71 r/ASTSpaceMobile
SpaceX Is Turning Satellite Coverage into Carrier Leverage - Santiago & Company - July 4, 2026
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u/doctor101 — 24 hours ago
u/doctor101
r/SPCXInvestors r/ElPaso r/Commercials r/apple r/Android r/ATT r/Starlink r/Vodafone r/Torontobluejays r/EUSpace r/cambridgeont r/telecom r/satellites r/kitchener r/ASTSpaceMobile r/uwaterloo r/consumercellular r/verizon r/waterloo r/SpaceInvestorsDaily
▲ 136 r/ASTSpaceMobile
Satellite Direct-to-Device in Asia-Pacific: From Pilots to Scale - Sumaiya Najarali, Novaspace
APSCC - 2026 Issue Two Space-Powered Connectivity
u/doctor101 — 24 hours ago
▲ 111 r/ASTSpaceMobile
From 2D Coverage to 3D Connectivity; How non-terrestrial networks are reshaping telecom control points, resilience, sovereignty and growth strategies in Asia-Pacific - Detecon APAC - June 2026- Whitepaper
u/doctor101 — 1 day ago
▲ 304 r/ASTSpaceMobile
"The US Military and Intelligence Agencies are able to take that (AST SpaceMobile $ASTS) technology and use it to do very unique things—many of which we are not privy to, but we know are going on." - Hennessy Focus Fund Interview with Portfolio Manager Brian Macauley
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u/doctor101 — 2 days ago
▲ 126 r/ASTSpaceMobile
JR Wilson Chief of Networks and Spectrum at AST SpaceMobile $ASTS - Ookla webinar; From Space to Your Pocket: How D2D Could Redefine Global Coverage 2026-07-15 at 11am ET
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u/doctor101 — 2 days ago
▲ 240 r/ASTSpaceMobile
C🅰️tSE on X: "The charts you should be looking at when investing in $ASTS. Signal to Noise Ratio out of the Ireland testing is mindblowing improvement to what we have seen before. It makes $ASTS quality of service competitive in most areas a rural tower covers.
x.comu/doctor101 — 3 days ago
▲ 64 r/ASTSpaceMobile
Japan Backs Rakuten With $922M to Build Sovereign Satellite Broadband Network; Rakuten’s exclusive 700 MHz spectrum gives the government-backed JV an edge rivals cannot match. - Tech Times
u/doctor101 — 4 days ago
Vodafone Ireland and the Irish Government test satellite technology to keep emergency services connected
vodafone.comu/doctor101 — 4 days ago
▲ 62 r/ASTSpaceMobile
AST SpaceMobile - $ASTS - Monthly Meme Thread
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u/doctor101 — 4 days ago
▲ 133 r/ASTSpaceMobile
Cramer's lightning round: Buy $ASTS AST SpaceMobile - Wed, Jul 1 2026
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u/doctor101 — 5 days ago
▲ 150 r/ASTSpaceMobile
Rakuten AI Optimism Visitors can explore the technology behind direct high-speed internet connectivity via low-earth-orbit satellites and everyday smartphones of U.S.-based AST SpaceMobile's low-earth orbit satellites and phased array antennas through AR displays. - Rakuten Global
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u/doctor101 — 5 days ago
▲ 167 r/ASTSpaceMobile
Vodafone Spain will launch its first real-world satellite connectivity projects for agricultural devices in Almería, in partnership with CASI, Única Group, Coexphal, and Cajamar, through its Foundation.
Vodafone Spain will launch its first real-world satellite connectivity projects for agricultural devices in Almería, in partnership with CASI, Única Group, Coexphal, and Cajamar, through its Foundation.
The announcement was made during the summer course “Digital Transformation in Agriculture: Innovation, Competitiveness, and Sustainability,” organized by the University of Almería and co-directed by Antonio Hernando, Secretary of State for Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure . The course addresses the role of connectivity, sensors, data, artificial intelligence, digital twins, robotics, and cybersecurity in modernizing the agricultural sector.
In collaboration with these leading entities in the Almería agri-food ecosystem, Vodafone will develop specific use cases for satellite-connected digitalization and the Internet of Things. These applications will allow sensors located on farms to be connected directly via satellite, adapting the technology to real-world production, monitoring, and farm management needs.
For these projects, Vodafone Spain will use its 900 MHz frequencies through a temporary authorization requested from the State Secretariat for Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure. This collaboration exemplifies public-private cooperation to accelerate technological innovation and the development of new services for citizens.
The agricultural sector is one of the areas where connectivity can have the greatest impact, especially on farms far from urban centers, with extensive land areas, and in zones where terrestrial coverage is not always available. Direct satellite connectivity to devices opens up new possibilities for crop monitoring, irrigation control, sensorization of remote farms, traceability, emergency management, and the development of more efficient and sustainable production models.
José Miguel García, CEO of Vodafone Spain, stated: “Vodafone was a pioneer in bringing the latest network technologies to Spain, such as 4G and 5G, and we want to once again lead the next evolution of connectivity with direct satellite-to-mobile services. We are delighted to collaborate with CASI, Única Group, Coexphal, and Cajamar, through its Foundation, to develop and evaluate real-world, useful, and impactful applications before the commercial launch of Vodafone SAT.”
The selection of Almería recognizes the talent, the business community, and the ambition of a province that has established itself as an international leader in intensive agriculture and agri-food innovation. With these projects, Almería and Andalusia are at the forefront of the development of direct-to-device satellite connectivity.
An additional layer of coverage for the countryside: Direct-to-device technology allows a conventional device to connect directly to satellites when terrestrial coverage is unavailable, without external antennas, special equipment, or additional SIM cards. This connectivity does not replace 4G and 5G networks, but rather complements them, providing a new layer of coverage, resilience, and security.
These projects are part of the commercial agreement reached by Vodafone Spain with Satellite Connect Europe—the Luxembourg-based joint venture between AST SpaceMobile and the Vodafone Group—and are an enabler of Vodafone SAT, the company's commercial offering of satellite services to businesses and individuals.
The service could be commercially available from 2027, subject to the development of the regulatory framework. In exceptional or emergency situations, this technology could be applied early, always with the corresponding institutional authorizations in force.
u/doctor101 — 5 days ago
▲ 289 r/ASTSpaceMobile
Rakuten Saikyo Satellite Service Powered by AST SpaceMobile $ASTS for J-LEO. On 2025-04-23, Rakuten announced they had successfully conducted the 1st end-to-end direct video call between a LEO satellite and a regular smartphone in Japan. - YouTube 58 minutes
https://youtu.be/04OwfAdtGPU?si=nasKgMrpDA0ifiJ0
On April 23, 2025, Rakuten Mobile held a press conference. Rakuten Mobile and AST SpaceMobile announced in April 2025 that they had successfully conducted the first end-to-end direct video call between a low-orbit satellite and a commercially available smartphone in Japan. This is a major step forward in Rakuten Mobile's goal to provide "Rakuten Saikyo Satellite Service Powered by AST SpaceMobile".
This test was conducted while AST SpaceMobile's low-orbit satellite "BlueBird Block 1" was passing over Fukushima Prefecture. Rakuten Mobile's gateway earth station installed in Fukushima Prefecture transmitted radio waves to the satellite, which was then received by the smartphone via the satellite. As a result, a video call was successfully made using a calling app between Fukushima Prefecture and a commercially available smartphone in Tokyo.
A major feature of this satellite communication technology is that it uses the frequency band used by existing mobile phone services, making it possible to use it on almost all commercially available LTE-compatible smartphones. In addition, the AST SpaceMobile satellite used is said to be very large (about 36 times larger, 223 m²) compared to competitors' satellites.
"Rakuten Saikyo Satellite Service Powered by AST SpaceMobile" aims to cover the entire area of Japan, including mountainous areas and remote islands that were previously out of reach of mobile communications, and is expected to be used as a means of communication in emergencies such as disasters. Service provision in Japan is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Rakuten Mobile says that with this technology, it will work to create an environment where broadband communications can be used regardless of location.
u/doctor101 — 7 days ago
▲ 171 r/ASTSpaceMobile
Vodafone SAT accelerates the satellite mobile race in Spain - Revista Cloud
https://revistacloud.com/vodafone-sat-acelera-la-carrera-del-movil-por-satelite-en-espana/
Vodafone SAT accelerates the satellite mobile race in Spain - Revista Cloud
Mobile coverage from space is moving beyond trade show demonstrations and becoming a real option within the plans of Spanish operators. Vodafone Spain has signed a commercial agreement with Satellite Connect Europe to launch direct satellite mobile connectivity, with beta testing planned for 2026 and a commercial launch target of 2027, pending regulatory approval.
The news isn't about replacing 5G or turning every mobile phone into a high-capacity satellite terminal. It's about something more practical: enabling a conventional phone to send messages, make calls, or access basic services when there's no terrestrial coverage. In rural areas, on secondary roads, in maritime zones, in natural spaces, or in emergency situations, that extra layer can make the difference between being completely disconnected and being able to communicate the essentials.
Vodafone's move comes at a time when Telefónica, MasOrange, and several satellite providers are exploring similar models in Spain and Europe. They don't all start from the same technology, nor the same level of maturity, nor the same control over the network. The new race in telecommunications is no longer just about deploying more terrestrial antennas, but about deciding how to integrate LEO satellites , mobile spectrum, 4G/5G networks, and emergency services into an experience that the user barely needs to understand.
Vodafone SAT: complementary coverage with AST SpaceMobile
Vodafone Spain is relying on Satellite Connect Europe, the company created by Vodafone Group and AST SpaceMobile to market Direct-to-Device services in Europe. The idea is that the mobile phone connects directly to low-Earth orbit satellites when a terrestrial network is unavailable, without the user needing an external antenna or a traditional satellite phone.
The operator wants to use some of the low-band spectrum freed up after the 3G shutdown. This decision is important because low bands offer better propagation conditions, which is critical when the signal has to travel between a satellite and a mobile phone. The outstanding issue is regulatory: Vodafone needs authorization from the State Secretariat for Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure for this satellite-based use, first for testing and then for commercial service.
The service will not have the capacity of a terrestrial base station. Vodafone envisions it as a continuity network: calls, texts, messaging apps, maps, and limited internet access. In emergencies, power outages, or areas with no coverage, this basic coverage can be more valuable than a high-speed connection.
The agreement also has a strategic dimension. Vodafone doesn't want to be seen as a mere reseller of satellite connectivity. With Satellite Connect Europe, mobile operators maintain the relationship with the customer, control over the experience, and integration with their network. This is a significant difference compared to models where the satellite provider has more direct control over the end user.
Comparison of options in Spain
Spain is beginning to outline three main paths for direct satellite mobile connectivity. The first is the AST SpaceMobile route, chosen by Vodafone and also being explored by Telefónica. The second is Starlink Direct to Cell, which MasOrange will test in Valladolid. The third is satellite connectivity integrated by device manufacturers, such as Apple's satellite emergency SOS, already available in Spain for compatible iPhones.
| Option in Spain | Satellite partner | State | Expected or available services | Strength | Main boundary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vodafone SAT | Satellite Connect Europe / AST SpaceMobile | Trade agreement; beta in 2026; target 2027 | Voice, messaging, basic data, and emergency uses | Integration with mobile operator and European D2D network | Pending regulatory authorization and capacity deployment |
| Telefónica D2D | Satellite Connect Europe / AST SpaceMobile | Exploration in Spain and Germany | Services for consumers, businesses and the public sector | It can be integrated with Telefónica's mobile network and business clients. | No public commercial commitment in Spain |
| MasOrange Direct to Cell | Starlink / SpaceX | Technical pilot in Valladolid | Messaging, basic data and out-of-coverage continuity | Starlink starts with a very broad constellation and operational experience. | Pilot, not a general commercial offer |
| Apple SOS via satellite | Globalstar / Apple | Available in Spain on compatible iPhones | Emergency messaging and security features | It now works for users with compatible iPhones. | It is not a general mobile network and it is not operator-dependent. |
| Native 3GPP NTN | 5G/6G Ecosystem | Medium-term evolution | Standardized satellite-mobile network integration | Better future compatibility with advanced 5G and 6G | It requires more devices, networks, and commercial agreements |
The comparison shows there's no single answer. Vodafone and Telefónica are pursuing a solution integrated into their mobile operators, designed for complementary coverage and continuity services. MasOrange is betting on testing Starlink, which boasts a widespread satellite network and an aggressive focus on Direct to Cell. Apple already offers a useful feature, but it's limited to emergencies and specific devices.
For the user, the most visible difference will be simple: some options will be included in the mobile plan; others will depend on the phone manufacturer; still others will arrive first as a business or government pilot program. For the industry, the real difference will lie in spectrum control, link quality, integration with the core network, latency, satellite availability, and the ability to offer service in multiple countries with different regulatory frameworks.
AST SpaceMobile versus Starlink: two ways to get to mobile
AST SpaceMobile and Starlink share the same overall goal, but they approach it from different angles. AST has designed its proposal around large satellites with deployable antennas intended to connect directly to conventional smartphones using mobile network operators' spectrum. Its value lies in integrating with telecoms and allowing them to extend coverage without losing their customer relationships.
Starlink has another advantage: scale. SpaceX has deployed a massive constellation of satellites and boasts unparalleled operational experience. Its Direct-to-Cell service aims to act as a mobile cell tower in space, supplementing the terrestrial network when the user is out of coverage. In Spain, MasOrange will be the first operator to test this approach with a pilot program in Valladolid.
| Technology | Business model | Fit for operators | Perceived maturity | most likely initial use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AST SpaceMobile / Satellite Connect Europe | Wholesale service for mobile operators | Stop, because it keeps the customer and data with the operator. | Currently being deployed, with advanced testing underway in Europe | Voice, SMS, basic data, emergencies and rural coverage |
| Starlink Direct to Cell | Integration with operators through agreements with SpaceX | Medium-high, although with greater weight given to the satellite provider | Very high in constellation; D2C still expanding | Messaging, basic data and supplementary coverage |
| Apple / Globalstar | Device manufacturer service | Low for the mobile operator | Available in several countries, including Spain | Emergencies and personal safety |
| 3GPP NTN | Long-term telco standard | Very high if the ecosystem matures | Still early days for devices and networks | Deep integration with advanced 5G and 6G |
The battle will not be solely technical. It will also be commercial and regulatory. Operators want to prevent satellites from becoming a barrier that excludes them from the customer relationship. Satellite providers want to recoup their very expensive constellations. Regulators must ensure that spectrum use does not cause interference, respects existing licenses, and allows for reliable emergency services.
What a satellite-connected mobile phone can and cannot do
The enthusiasm surrounding Direct-to-Device (D2D) services can create unrealistic expectations. The first generation of these services won't replace 4G or 5G in a city, nor will it allow for unrestricted high-definition video streaming from anywhere. Available radio bandwidth is limited, the distance to the satellite is enormous, and the device isn't designed as professional satellite equipment.
It's reasonable to expect a phased rollout. First, messaging, geolocation, and emergency services. Then, calls and basic data. Later, more comprehensive services in open areas with better satellite availability. Indoor coverage, urban canyons, heavily wooded areas, or locations with poor sky visibility will remain a challenge.
This doesn't diminish its value. On the contrary. Direct satellite connectivity to mobile devices is most useful when understood as a backup network. For civil protection, rescue, transportation, energy, agriculture, environmental monitoring, private security, or municipal services in remote areas, a basic connection can be sufficient to coordinate an incident.
It can also impact individual users: hikers, drivers, rural workers, boaters, tourists in remote areas, or people living in areas with patchy coverage. Spain has a widespread mobile network, but its geography still leaves gaps where deploying terrestrial infrastructure isn't always cost-effective.
Regulation will determine the pace
The main obstacle is not just technological; it's regulatory. In Vodafone's case, the use of terrestrial mobile frequencies from satellites requires specific authorization. SETID will have to evaluate technical conditions, interference, power limits, service obligations, security, international coordination, and compatibility with other networks.
MasOrange's Starlink pilot project in Valladolid has already received authorization for technical testing, demonstrating Spain's openness to experimentation. However, transitioning from a controlled pilot to a nationwide commercial offering involves further requirements. Satellites cross borders, spectrum is harmonized by bands , terminals are widely used, and the services can impact emergency response, privacy, and national security.
This is where a difference between models can emerge. Integrated solutions with national operators may be a better fit for regulatory oversight and public utilities. Large global constellation solutions can advance more quickly due to their scale, but they will need to adapt to local regulations if they are to operate stably.
Why this matters for 6G
Vodafone has indicated that its immediate priority is not waiting for 6G, but rather extending current 4G and 5G coverage to areas where it's currently unavailable. This approach makes sense. For many people, the most noticeable improvement won't be a new mobile generation in major cities, but simply having coverage in places where there is none today.
In the medium term, however, these tests anticipate some aspects of 6G. Non-terrestrial networks, or NTN, are already part of the evolution of 3GPP standards. The industry is heading towards hybrid networks where satellites, ground stations, edge computing, and mobile devices work in a more coordinated manner.
Current Direct-to-Cell (D2C) can be seen as a quick entry solution: it leverages existing phones and mobile spectrum to provide supplemental coverage. Standardized NTN aims for deeper integration, with greater capacity, security, and scalability. Most likely, they will coexist. D2C for immediate coverage and emergencies; NTN for more mature integration in advanced 5G and 6G networks.
Spain could become an interesting testing ground because it meets three conditions: large operators with different strategies, a geography with coverage gaps, and a regulator that is already authorizing pilot projects. The race has just begun, and it's not clear which model will win. What does seem evident, however, is that mobile coverage will no longer depend solely on terrestrial towers.
Vodafone SAT has set a date for an ambition the sector has been promising for years. MasOrange wants to test the potential of Starlink. Telefónica is exploring the AST SpaceMobile route with possible integration in Spain and Germany. Apple already handles emergency situations from the device. Connectivity from space won't be a parallel high-capacity mobile network, but rather a new layer of resilience.
The question for the user will not be whether their mobile phone connects to the satellite, but when, under what conditions, with what tariff, with what limitations and under which operator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which operator will launch satellite mobile first in Spain?
Vodafone aims to launch Vodafone SAT in 2027 after trials in 2026, but Orange already has a technical pilot program with Starlink in Valladolid. Telefónica is exploring the Satellite Connect Europe route without yet announcing a commercial launch.
Will it work with any mobile phone?
AST SpaceMobile and Starlink's Direct-to-Device solutions aim to work with conventional smartphones, but final compatibility will depend on the operator, spectrum, device, and service configuration.
What option is currently available for users in Spain?
Apple offers Emergency SOS via satellite in Spain for compatible iPhones, but it's a safety and emergency service, not general mobile coverage.
Will satellite 5G replace terrestrial 5G?
No. It will be a complementary layer for areas without coverage, emergencies, and service continuity. The terrestrial mobile network will continue to support most traffic.
u/doctor101 — 8 days ago
Satellite Connect Europe: The Continent Is Building Its Own Satellite-to-Phone Network - 5GWorldPro
At the end of February 2026, a venture that had been quietly known as “SatCo” for almost a year stepped into the open as Satellite Connect Europe. It is a joint venture between Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile, headquartered in Luxembourg, and its goal is direct: give European mobile operators a way to connect ordinary smartphones to satellites, on Europe’s own terms.
The partner list is what makes this matter. Vodafone, Orange, Telefónica, CK Hutchison and Sunrise are all engaged. Orange has gone further than a logo on a slide — it plans direct-to-device demonstrations in Romania in the second half of 2026 covering voice, SMS and data, and is studying integration of the satellite link into an Orange-managed core network, framed inside its “Trust the future” strategy. When operators of that size align on a single venture, it stops being an experiment.
What it actually is
Satellite Connect Europe is a wholesale, open-access layer. It buys exclusive European access to AST SpaceMobile’s low-earth-orbit constellation and resells direct-to-device connectivity to operators, who keep their own customers, branding and data. The technical pitch is that it extends existing 4G and 5G networks rather than replacing them, and it works on phones people already own — no special handset, no extra hardware.
The AST satellites doing the work are unusual. The Block 2 BlueBirds carry phased-array antennas around 225 square metres, large enough to form roughly 2,000 narrow beams each and cover a ground area tens of kilometres across, using the operator’s existing licensed spectrum. AST is targeting about 60 satellites in orbit by the end of 2026, with roughly 90 needed for continuous round-the-clock coverage. On the ground, the venture is building five European earth stations, with a control centre in Germany and build underway in Spain, the UK and France.
The real headline: sovereignty
After 30 years around networks, the part of this I find most telling isn’t the antenna size. It’s the deliberate emphasis on European jurisdiction. The whole architecture is designed so that network operations, data handling, lawful intercept and service control stay inside Europe rather than sitting with a non-European operator. That is a direct answer to the strategic question hanging over every operator watching Starlink’s direct-to-cell ambitions: who controls the coverage layer, and whose rules govern the traffic on it?
This is the second model now competing in Europe. One path is a global, single-operator constellation. The other is an MNO-first, sovereign wholesale layer that plugs satellite coverage into each national network as an extension of the existing PLMN. Operators across the continent are choosing, and many are hedging across both.
Why this is a skills problem, not just a procurement one
An operator can sign a wholesale agreement in an afternoon. Making the service work is the hard part, and it pulls together expertise most network teams have never had to combine:
- 3GPP non-terrestrial network standards (Release 17, enhanced in 18 and 19) and how D2D rides standard 4G/5G radios
- Integrating a satellite access layer into the core as another PLMN, with seamless roaming between terrestrial and satellite cells
- Spectrum strategy and the regulatory framework that decides whether and when a service can launch in each country
- Link budgets, beam and mobility management for satellites that never stop moving
- Security, lawful intercept and data-sovereignty design
The operators that build this understanding now will shape Europe’s coverage maps for the next decade. The ones that don’t will buy the capability from whoever did, on someone else’s terms.
u/doctor101 — 8 days ago
▲ 81 r/ASTSpaceMobile
List of AST SpaceMobile $ASTS Entities/Subsidiaries; 🌎🌍🌏
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u/doctor101 — 8 days ago
▲ 92 r/ASTSpaceMobile
AST SpaceMobile $ASTS - The Federated Sovereign Constellation. - Mike, @BlackScholesMan on X
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▲ 166 r/ASTSpaceMobile
Rakuten Mobile counters with $ASTS AST SpaceMobile... The calculated risks and financial risks of challenging Starlink and two other companies head-on | Business Journal
biz--journal-jp.translate.googu/doctor101 — 8 days ago
▲ 172 r/ASTSpaceMobile
More Than Connecting the Unconnected; The Seven Military Verticals Hiding Inside $ASTS AST SpaceMobile's Commercial Broadband Constellation - Mike, @BlackScholesMan on X
x.comu/doctor101 — 8 days ago
▲ 29 r/uwaterloo
🩸 Donate Blood. Help Our Community. Enjoy Great Dominos Pizza! 🍕
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u/doctor101 — 9 days ago