Partnership18 Jun 2025, 03:40 pm
Vi and AST SpaceMobile Announce Partnership for Satellite Connectivity in India
AI Summary
Vodafone Idea (Vi), India’s leading telecom service provider, and AST SpaceMobile, the company building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network, have announced a strategic partnership to expand mobile connectivity across India’s unconnected regions. The partnership aims to bring Direct-to-Device satellite broadband connectivity to India, supporting Digital India’s vision of universal mobile access. The space-based cellular broadband ecosystem will be designed to expand Vi's telecom services of terrestrial connectivity, providing voice, video, data streaming, and internet access.
Key Highlights
- Vi and AST SpaceMobile to bring Direct-to-Device satellite broadband connectivity to India
- Partnership to support Digital India’s vision of universal mobile access
- SpaceMobile Satellite System to complement terrestrial connectivity in challenging terrains
- Collaboration to develop space-based cellular broadband ecosystem for voice, video, data streaming, and internet access
- AST SpaceMobile to develop, manufacture, and manage the satellite constellation, Vi to oversee terrestrial network integration, operating spectrum, and market access