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3w ago

Vodafone Idea Taps AST SpaceMobile for Direct-to-Device Satellite Connectivity in India

Under the agreement, AST SpaceMobile will be responsible for the satellite constellation; Vodafone Idea will integrate the service into India’s telecom infrastructure.

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Vi and AST SpaceMobile's system will provide voice and video calls, data services
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Overview

  • AST SpaceMobile will develop, manufacture and manage the SpaceMobile Satellite System from low Earth orbit to deliver cellular broadband directly to smartphones.
  • Vodafone Idea will handle terrestrial network integration, spectrum operations and market access for the new 4G and 5G satellite-based mobile service.
  • The service is designed to deliver standard voice, video and data connectivity without specialized hardware or software updates on everyday smartphones.
  • This initiative aligns with India’s Digital India mission by targeting coverage in remote regions such as forests, deserts and mountainous areas.
  • The launch follows regulatory moves by TRAI and the government to allocate spectrum for satellite communications and comes as SpaceX’s Starlink partners with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel in India.