- Vodafone partners with AST SpaceMobile for LEO satellite integration
- New hub to focus on satellite and cellular network testing
What happened: Vodafone to launch Europe’s first satellite-broadband research hub
Vodafone has announced a new research hub in Málaga, Spain. This hub focuses on integrating LEO satellite and terrestrial broadband services. The collaboration with AST SpaceMobile and the University of Málaga aims to build the first European research facility of its kind. This follows Vodafone’s successful space-based video call in January 2025. The hub will open in summer 2025, supporting mobile coverage expansion across multiple markets.
The hub will develop open-source hardware, software, and chips for both satellite and terrestrial networks. It will be supported by an initial grant from the Spanish Space Agency. The facility will feature a space-to-land gateway. This will allow partners to test and validate services connected to AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites.
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Why it’s important
This initiative marks a significant step in bridging the gap between satellite and terrestrial mobile networks. Vodafone’s European broadband research hub will provide businesses and operators with the tools to test and integrate satellite and cellular services. By creating an open-source testing environment, Vodafone will help shape the future of ubiquitous connectivity across Europe. The collaboration with AST SpaceMobile and the University of Málaga will foster innovation in space-to-terrestrial communication, setting the stage for new advancements in mobile and broadband services.
This development also aligns with Vodafone’s ongoing commitment to expanding digital connectivity, particularly in underserved regions, using space-based technologies. The hub will play a pivotal role in furthering European ambitions for seamless mobile coverage and ubiquitous digital services, supporting growth in both urban and rural areas.
