Vodafone Idea teamed with AST SpaceMobile to expand mobile access across India’s underserved regions using satellite, a deal set to bring direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity to customers.
The companies stated satellite communications would complement terrestrial connectivity to expand mobile broadband access in challenging terrains where deployment of terrestrial infrastructure “might be difficult”.
It brings together Vodafone Idea’s national network and AST SpaceMobile’s space-based mobile technology.
The satellite company states it is building the world’s first and only space-based mobile broadband network accessible directly from standard smartphones: it recently conducted what it asserts was the first voice and video call from space using a regular device.
In March, it announced a deal with Vodafone Group to create a jointly-owned satellite service business, catering to MNOs across European markets.
Digital India
Aligning with the government’s Digital India initiative, the pair will collaborate on the AST SpaceMobile Satellite System, a space-based ecosystem designed to expand the Indian operator’s terrestrial connectivity services including voice, data streaming, video 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”. Vodafone Idea will, in turn, oversee terrestrial network integration, operating spectrum and market access.
AST SpaceMobile CCO Chris Ivory said the partnership would help unlock new possibilities for emergency response, disaster management, agriculture and remote learning.
The companies added they would also work together to develop commercial offerings for diverse sectors including consumer, enterprise and IoT.
In March, Vodafone Idea’s rivals Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel forged separate deals with SpaceX to deploy the Elon Musk-owned company’s Starlink broadband services.