AST SpaceMobile has announced a collaboration with several of Europe’s leading mobile network operators to advance the rollout of its space-based cellular broadband network across the continent.
The Satellite Network Partnership brings together Vodafone, Orange, Deutsche Telekom, Telefónica and Vodafone Ukraine as the company works with the operators on preparations for satellite-based mobile connectivity.
Integration testing is already underway across multiple European countries, with participating operators working alongside AST SpaceMobile ahead of commercial deployment.
European Operators Join Satellite Network Rollout
The Satellite Network Partnership covers collaboration between AST SpaceMobile and the participating mobile network operators as the company prepares to integrate its satellite network with existing mobile infrastructure.
The participating operators include Vodafone, Orange, Deutsche Telekom, Telefónica and Vodafone Ukraine. The companies are working with AST SpaceMobile on the integration of its space-based cellular broadband technology with their respective mobile networks.
The collaboration forms part of AST SpaceMobile’s efforts to develop satellite-based connectivity that can operate with existing mobile devices and network infrastructure.
Integration Testing Underway Across Europe
Integration testing for the Satellite Network Partnership is underway across multiple European markets.
The testing phase is intended to prepare the participating operators and AST SpaceMobile for the next stage of deployment. The companies are working on the integration of the satellite network with terrestrial mobile networks as preparations continue for commercial services.
The collaboration involves operators with established mobile networks across Europe, providing the framework for AST SpaceMobile’s technology to be incorporated into existing telecommunications infrastructure.
BlueBird Satellites Expand Constellation Capacity
AST SpaceMobile also launched three BlueBird satellites, numbered 11, 12 and 13, on 5 August 2026 aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral.
The new satellites are part of the company’s next-generation constellation and feature communications arrays more than three times larger than those used on its initial Block 1 satellites.
The company’s continued satellite deployment is intended to expand the capacity of its space-based cellular network as it progresses with the Satellite Network Partnership involving European mobile operators.
The latest BlueBird satellites are designed to provide higher capacity than the earlier generation, supporting AST SpaceMobile’s ongoing development of its satellite network.
With integration testing underway across European markets and additional BlueBird satellites being added to the constellation, AST SpaceMobile and its operator partners are continuing preparations for the next stage of satellite-based mobile network deployment.