Vodafone-Idea, the Indian telco, joins hands with AST SpaceMobile, the company making the first and only space-based cellular broadband network directly accessible by everyday smartphones, to bring direct-to-device broadband connectivity to India. The initiative is all set to empower the Digital India mission, enabling the initiatives to reach ground zero. 

The partnership is all set to bring together VI’s robust national network with AST SpaceMobile's revolutionary space-based cellular technology, which connects directly to everyday mobile phones without the need for any specialized software, device support or updates. Interestingly, AST SpaceMobile also holds a historical edge over others, being the company that placed voice and video calls from space using a standard mobile phone. This enhances the real-world viability of its advanced technology. 

Expanding Broadband Coverage in India 

With over 1.1 billion mobile subscribers and continuously growing, India is one of the largest telecom markets globally. While Indian telecoms are continuously expanding their reach across the length and breadth of the nation, there are still a few areas that remain unconnected. In such a case, despite having significant 4G and 5G coverage, satellite communication will complement terrestrial connectivity to further expand broadband cellular access in some challenging terrains where deployment of terrestrial mobile infrastructure might be difficult. 

To read about BSNL's Quantum 5G, launched recently, click here!  

Expanding VI’s Service List 

Aligned with Digital India's initiatives, AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone Idea will collaborate on the SpaceMobile Satellite System. This 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. It will encompass the design, implementation, and launch of this system, wherein AST SpaceMobile will develop, manufacture, and manage the satellite constellation, and Vi will oversee terrestrial network integration, operating spectrum, and market access.

Seamless & Resilient Connectivity 

“Vi has always been committed to leveraging technology to connect every Indian, and we see satellite communication as a complement to terrestrial connectivity. As satellite-based mobile access becomes a reality in India, we are looking forward to ushering in a new era of seamless and resilient connectivity,” said Avneesh Khosla, Chief Marketing Officer, Vi.

To read about the financial turmoil that VI is currently into, click here! 

Technology Breaking Barriers 

“India, with its vast and dynamic telecom market, is the ideal place to demonstrate how our space-based cellular broadband can seamlessly complement terrestrial networks,” said Chris Ivory, Chief Commercial Officer, AST SpaceMobile. “We are not just expanding coverage; we are breaking down barriers to connectivity, enabling everyday smartphones to access 4G and 5G directly from space. Together with Vodafone Idea, we are excited to unlock new possibilities for emergency response, disaster management, agriculture, remote learning, and countless other applications that will benefit from truly ubiquitous mobile broadband.”

This collaboration puts India at the forefront of global space tech innovation and will push the development of use cases and connectivity applications. Together, Vi and AST SpaceMobile will also collaborate to develop commercial offerings for diverse sectors, including consumer, enterprise, and IoT.