Indian operator Vodafone Idea and AST SpaceMobile, which is building a space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by everyday smartphones, have announced a strategic partnership to expand mobile connectivity across India’s unconnected regions.
India has over 1.1 billion mobile subscribers. While there is widespread 4G and emerging 5G coverage, AST SpaceMobile says satellite communication will complement terrestrial connectivity to further expand broadband cellular access in some challenging terrains where deployment of terrestrial mobile infrastructure might be difficult.
This partnership will bring together Vodafone Idea’s national network with AST SpaceMobile’s space-based cellular technology, which connects directly to everyday smartphones without the need for any specialised software or device support or updates.
AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone Idea will collaborate on the SpaceMobile Satellite System. This space-based cellular broadband ecosystem will be designed to expand Vodafone Idea’s telecom services of terrestrial connectivity, providing voice, video, data streaming and internet access.
It will encompass the design, implementation and launch of this system, wherein AST SpaceMobile will develop, manufacture and manage the satellite constellation and Vodafone Idea will oversee terrestrial network integration, operating spectrum and market access.
Vi and AST SpaceMobile say they will also collaborate to develop commercial offerings for diverse sectors, including consumer, enterprise and IoT.
Avneesh Khosla Chief Marketing Officer, Vodafone Idea, says: “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.”
Chris Ivory, Chief Commercial Officer, AST SpaceMobile, adds: "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. 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."
