Vodafone Idea (Vi) on Wednesday said that it has partnered with AST SpaceMobile, a US-based satellite communications company and rival to Elon Musk’s SpaceX, to launch satellite-based mobile services directly on smartphones across the country.
The company said that this strategic alliance aims to bring seamless mobile connectivity to areas currently beyond the reach of traditional terrestrial networks. Vodafone Idea will leverage AST SpaceMobile’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology to provide direct-to-device cellular service without the need for specialised hardware or infrastructure, offering standard 4G and 5G voice and data connectivity.
Unlike conventional satellite communication systems that require ground-based terminals or special devices, the AST SpaceMobile system enables connectivity directly to ordinary smartphones.
Vodafone Idea’s CMO Avneesh Khosla highlighted the broader vision behind the move, stating that the partnership will help realise India’s goal of universal digital access. “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,” he said.
For AST SpaceMobile, the agreement marks a strategic entry into one of the largest telecom markets in the world. “Our partnership with Vi is a major milestone in our journey to connect the unconnected,” said Abel Avellan, chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile. The firm recently made headlines for conducting the world’s first voice and video call from space using a standard mobile phone, showcasing the practical viability of its technology.
Vodafone Idea said that the service, once fully operational, will extend coverage to the country’s most difficult terrains, such as forests, deserts, mountain regions, and border areas where terrestrial infrastructure is either absent or economically impractical to deploy.
The two companies will collaborate on the design, implementation, and eventual rollout of the SpaceMobile Satellite System in India. AST SpaceMobile will handle the satellite constellation’s development and maintenance, while Vodafone Idea will integrate it with its existing terrestrial network, manage spectrum usage, and lead regulatory efforts. The companies are currently in the process of securing necessary approvals for commercial deployment.
AST SpaceMobile, which is backed by major global telecom players including Vodafone Plc (Vi’s promoter), AT&T, Verizon, and Google, has agreements with over 45 mobile network operators worldwide. It is also working closely with the US government on advanced space communication projects.
As is known, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have both partnered with Starlink, the satellite broadband arm of Musk-owned SpaceX, to roll out similar services. The two have also got licences to roll out their own services.
Starlink recently received a licence from the department of telecommunications to offer satellite Internet services and is currently awaiting clarity on spectrum allocation.
The DoT is reviewing the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s recommendations on pricing and allocation of satellite spectrum.