Vodafone Idea (Vi) and AST SpaceMobile Inc, the company working on the first space-based cellular broadband network directly accessible by smartphones, designed for both commercial and government applications, on Wednesday announced a strategic partnership to expand mobile connectivity across India’s unconnected regions.

In 2023, Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile completed a space-based 5G voice call. The latter has also placed a video call from space using a standard mobile phone in the past. The companies will provide a space-based cellular technology for everyday smartphones to connect without any specialised software or device support or updates. Aligned with Digital India’s initiatives, AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone idea will collaborate on the SpaceMobile Satellite System.

The partnership will expand Vi’s telecom services of terrestrial connectivity, providing voice, video, data streaming and Internet access. AST SpaceMobile will develop, manufacture and manage the satellite constellation, and Vi will oversee terrestrial network integration, operating spectrum and market access.

‘A new era’

“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.

Chris Ivory, Chief Commercial Officer, AST SpaceMobile, said: “We are not just expanding coverage, we are enabling everyday smartphones access 4G and 5G directly from space. 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.”

Vi and AST SpaceMobile will also collaborate to develop commercial offerings for diverse sectors, including consumer and enterprise.

Published on June 18, 2025