Elon Musk’s Space X subsidiary, Starlink previously had the market cornered in terms of satellite internet but not for long as Vodafone’s latest launch is here to compete. Musk’s Starlink offers internet connection via means of low orbit satellites. What makes this non-traditional source of internet stand out is its capability to offer compatible devices connection even in rural areas that are out of reach from traditional cell towers.
Now, Vodafone, the British telecom giant has launched its own satellite mobile venture in order to aid the issue of rural “non-spots.”
Vodafone’s new venture will bring satellite internet to mobile phones
The telecom provider has partnered with Texas-based AST SpaceMobile in this new project that will allow for satellite broadband connections to be beamed directly to smartphones. This new joint venture will enable businesses and consumers alike to make video calls, browse the internet, and send messages even if they are in areas with no network coverage. The company has a goal of 100pc geographical coverage across Europe. According to The Telegraph, this “move underscores efforts by Vodafone to use nascent satellite technology to eradicate so-called mobile “not-spots” in rural areas that have long frustrated consumers.”
This innovation comes as the company’s attempt at challenging rival competitors like Project Kuiper run by Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk’s Starlink which is run by Space X. Vodafone currently has 340 million customers spanning the globe.
The competition is quite tough for the telecom giant as Starlink’s services are currently being tested on Apple iPhones in the United States. Additionally, Musk’s satellite internet is also going through trial testing by BT-owned EE and Virgin Media O2.
Vodafone remains unaffected by this however, and is even claiming that its technology is far superior to its peers due to its ability to connect to 4G and 5G smartphones seamlessly, with no additional equipment required.
“Vodafone’s space-based mobile broadband will mean our customers can stay connected, wherever they are,” Margherita Della Valle, the chief executive of Vodafone shared.
“Our new satellite company will be able to offer this pioneering technology to other European mobile operators through a turnkey service that combines Vodafone’s leading network and engineering with AST SpaceMobile’s ‘antennas in the sky,” Della Valle added.
The world’s first space video called was successfully conducted from a remote area near Wales and thanks to the success of this test call, the company was able to move forward with the launch. This innovative satellite mobile service will be available for users in the UK sometime later this year.
Who is AST SpaceMobile?
Much like Starlink, AST SpaceMobile also operates a network of low orbit satellites that emit broadband signals down to us on Earth. The collaboration between them and Vodafone will see to the building of a network of ground stations. The stations will then link the signal from the satellite to mobile networks spanning Europe.
The chairman and chief executive of AST SpaceMobile, Abel Avellan commented, “Together with Vodafone, we are poised to accelerate our commercialisation plans across all of Europe, making true mobile broadband from space a reality.”
As part of this venture, a new research hub will be launched by AST SpaceMobile in Malaga. The new hub will exist in addition to the company’s newly expanded presence in Spain. A manufacturing and office space measuring 5,600 square meters has recently been opened in Barcelona to aid this.
A stake of almost 5pc in AST SpaceMobile is currently held by Vodafone, the value of which is approximately £237 million ($300 million).
The initial phase of the project has already been completed by the British network operator. However, it appears that the second phase will be watered down by officials in an attempt to cut costs. The second phase is said to be aimed at addressing the most remote areas.