Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile have taken a significant step by choosing Luxembourg as the headquarters for their joint venture, SatCo. The move is strategic, tapping into Luxembourg’s advanced digital infrastructure and central location. SatCo aims to provide direct-to-device satellite broadband across Europe, enhancing the continent’s digital sovereignty.
The concept of digital sovereignty is crucial as Europe seeks to meet its Digital Decade 2030 targets. In March 2025, the two companies framed SatCo as a Europe-led initiative to achieve this vision. The aim is to extend mobile broadband coverage to underserved regions, tackling connectivity issues in mountainous and offshore areas.
SatCo has already garnered the interest of operators in 21 EU member states and other European markets. Its anticipated 2026 launch promises to bolster existing 4G and 5G networks, ultimately aiming to close coverage gaps. This approach ensures that mobile broadband reaches even the remotest corners of Europe.
Vodafone Group CEO, Margherita Della Valle, highlighted the benefits: “Vodafone’s space-based mobile broadband will mean our customers can stay connected, wherever they are.” By integrating Vodafone’s network and engineering capabilities with AST SpaceMobile’s innovative satellite technology, a seamless service model is developed for European operators.
Recent milestones showcase the potential impact. They include Europe’s first space-based mobile video call to an unmodified handset from the U.K. Further testing revealed impressive 4G and 5G capabilities, with download speeds exceeding 20 Mbps on a 5 MHz channel. Future satellites are expected to enhance these capabilities significantly.
Abel Avellan, founder and CEO of AST SpaceMobile, emphasized the significance of the location choice, stating that Luxembourg strengthens Europe’s leadership in space-based mobile broadband. Luxembourg’s Minister of the Economy, Lex Delles, expressed enthusiasm about the project. “The establishment of SatCo’s headquarters in Luxembourg further reinforces the key role of our country as a hub to deploy innovative solutions serving the whole EU single market and its citizens,” he noted.
