Technology and Innovation
Satellite
We believe connectivity is a force for good. We seek to close the digital divide to get everyone connected.
As part of our commitment to unlocking the opportunities of the digital world, we have started to look beyond ground-based networks over the last few years.
By using low-earth orbit satellites, we have discovered that we can provide mobile signals to even the most remote areas, helping to close coverage gaps worldwide and keeping people connected.
Driving universal mobile coverage with AST SpaceMobile
AST SpaceMobile, in collaboration with Vodafone, is building the first space-based mobile network that can be used directly with standard mobile phones without the need for specialised equipment.
A historic space video call
In January 2025, Vodafone successfully made the world’s first space video call using normal 4G/5G smartphones and satellites that will allow multiple users in areas of no mobile coverage to make and receive video calls, access the Internet and use online messaging services.
It is the only satellite technology of its kind built to offer a full mobile broadband experience and paves the way for universal digital connectivity and the closure of mobile coverage gaps.
Astronaut Tim Peake and Vodafone Group CEO Margherita Della Valle marked this significant milestone at Vodafone’s new space-to-land gateway, which receives and channels all the signals sent from a user’s smartphone via the BlueBird satellites of our partner, AST SpaceMobile.
Vodafone and Amazon’s Project Kuiper to extend connectivity in Africa and Europe
Vodafone and Project Kuiper, Amazon’s low Earth orbit satellite (LEO) communications initiative, are collaborating on a plan to use Project Kuiper’s network to extend the reach of 4G/5G services to customers in Europe and Africa.
Europe’s first research hub for integrating space and land-based mobile services
Vodafone’s European innovation Centre in Málaga, Spain, is home to Europe’s first research hub dedicated to developing integrated low earth orbit (LEO) space-based and land mobile broadband services. This will allow customers to switch seamlessly between satellite and 4G/5G networks using their existing smartphones.
The hub will focus on developing the technology that enables conventional devices to connect to satellites, bringing with it a range of wider societal benefits, from connecting rural or remote locations, to facilitating rescue and recovery efforts after natural disasters. In a further step, developments & innovation for the satellite Network Operations Center (NOC) tools will be done to explore advanced analytics, coordination with terrestrial networks, and future technological evolution.
Supported by an initial grant from the Spanish Space Agency, funded by Center for Technological Development and Innovation via the SATURNO project, part of Spain’s strategic PERTE program, the hub boasts AST SpaceMobile and the University of Málaga as lead partners on the project.
The main objective of the SATURNO project is the development and validation of communication technologies that enable satellite connectivity for conventional mobile phones, extending coverage to remote areas, rural zones, and emergency situations.
Life as a space engineer at Vodafone
Meet Rowan Chesmer, Vodafone’s Future Technologies Researcher. Having always been fascinated by space, Rowan graduated from Durham University with a Master’s degree in Engineering, specialising in electronics before joining Vodafone’s graduate scheme. Learn more about Rowan’s work helping us develop cutting-edge satellite technologies to improve global connectivity.
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