Amazon’s Project Kuiper and Vodafone join forces to bolster 4G and 5G availability in Europe and Africa using cost-effective low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. This partnership aims to connect distant cellular antennas to core networks, enabling telecom services without relying on intricate fibre-based systems. With a larger goal of bridging the digital divide, the collaboration also plans to offer backup services for disruptions and connect distant infrastructure.
On July 30, 2021, Ariane 5, a European heavy-lift space launch vehicle developed and operated by Arianespace for the European Space Agency, successfully launched its first flight in nearly a year. The aim of the mission is to deploy a pair of geostationary communications satellites for commercial operators in Brazil and France. One of the satellites, called the Star One D2, will be operated by Embratel, a Brazilian telecommunications company. The Star One D2 will give Embratel the ability to expand its broadband coverage to new regions in Central and South America, supply Internet access to those in under-serviced areas, and increase X-band payload for government use in the Atlantic region. The second satellite, named Eutelsat Quantum, which was developed as part of an ESA partnership with satellite operator Eutelsat and major manufacturer Airbus, has an active antenna, a first for the European commercial telecommunications industry. This revolutionary…
OneWeb, a global communications company that provides broadband satellite Internet services around the world, has announced another successful launch of 36 Arianespace satellites from the Vostochny Cosmodrome. With this launch, the company gets closer to reaching their “Five to 50” goal and the lift off of commercial services by the end of this year. The launch took place on May 28th at 18:38 BST. The OneWeb satellites detached from their host rocket and were distributed in nine clusters over 3 hours and 52 minutes. Signals were received from all 36 satellites, indicating their operational status. This launch is the fourth in a series of five total launches needed to complete the “Five to 50” program. The program will allow OneWeb to offer connectivity in all parts of the UK, Alaska, Northern Europe, Greenland, Iceland, the Arctic Seas and Canada. The service is predicted to be available by the end…
At MWC26, SpaceX introduced Starlink Mobile, marking a new era in satellite communications. This evolution of the direct-to-device strategy uses second-generation satellites to enhance integration with 5G networks. Starlink Mobile is set to elevate connectivity, offering speeds up to 150 Mb/s, filling gaps left by traditional networks.
At the Mobile World Congress 2026, Vodafone’s CEO Margherita Della Valle stressed the critical need for safety standards in satellite communications. As VoIP integrates with satellite networks, it’s vital to establish rules that protect trust and ensure security. Collaborative efforts by leading operators can prevent a chaotic industry landscape.
Virgin Media O2 has launched an innovative O2 Satellite service, utilizing Starlink technology from SpaceX to enhance mobile connectivity in remote areas, called ‘not-spots’. This new service, boosting UK landmass coverage from 89% to 95%, allows users to seamlessly switch from mobile to satellite connectivity when traditional networks are unavailable.
Explore how the fusion of AI and IoT is revolutionizing connectivity with floLIVE’s innovative approach. By offering a scalable, secure connectivity network tailored for IoT, floLIVE tackles traditional challenges like roaming restrictions through its cutting-edge multi-IMSI eSIM platform. Discover a future of IoT connectivity that’s both reliable and efficient.
2025 marked a transformative era for the Test and Measurement sector, with groundbreaking advancements from orbital data centers to photonic AI satellites. A crucial highlight was Vodafone’s collaboration for 5G SA networks, enhancing telecom with automated software. Emerging markets like AI data centers and satellite communications experienced a notable focus shift.
The groundbreaking collaboration between Fujitsu and Yamaguchi University is paving the way for enhanced satellite data management through orbital edge computing. This innovative approach dramatically reduces satellite data latency from hours to mere minutes, facilitating real-time insights crucial for industries such as maritime logistics. By processing data directly on satellites, traditional bandwidth restrictions are bypassed, allowing for immediate information access. Organizations dependent on remote sensing, including those utilizing VoIP technology for communication, should closely monitor this advancement, as it promises to revolutionize data processing efficiency and timeliness.
Orange France is set to revolutionize VoIP communication by partnering with Skylo to launch the Message Satellite service. This initiative will provide direct-to-device services, enhancing connectivity in areas with poor terrestrial signals. Businesses in remote locations can expect seamless VoIP communication, benefiting from advanced satellite technology and robust network infrastructures.
