TLDR
- AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone formed a joint venture to establish a European satellite constellation providing satellite-to-smartphone connectivity starting in 2026.
- The partnership will base its European operations center in Germany, with Munich or Hannover under consideration for the facility location.
- The satellite-to-phone market is projected to surpass $10 billion by 2033, with 21 EU member states interested in the service.
- AST SpaceMobile plans to operate 60 satellites by 2026 while competing against Starlink’s fleet of over 8,000 satellites.
- ASTS stock fell 7.25% to $65.28 and is down 13.33% over the past month before earnings on November 10.
AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone revealed a joint venture Friday to build a European satellite network. The collaboration will deliver satellite-to-smartphone connectivity for businesses and government agencies.
The companies selected Germany for their European operational hub. Potential locations near Munich or Hannover are being evaluated.
Vodafone holds an existing investment in AST SpaceMobile. The joint venture structure allows both firms to share management responsibilities.
The satellite-to-phone industry is growing fast. Paris-based Novaspace forecasts the market will exceed $10 billion by 2033.
Service Coverage and Features
The German facility will provide connectivity for mobile operators across Europe. Services will include broadband internet, public protection systems, and disaster relief communications.
The network will incorporate a command switch for security and oversight. Features include communication encryption and satellite control capabilities over European territory.
Vodafone CEO Margherita Della Valle called the project a “sovereign satellite solution.” She stated European operators will access secure satellite communications that work alongside terrestrial networks.
Interest has come from 21 EU member states. The satellites will transmit telephone signals from space to ground devices.
Commercial operations are scheduled for 2026. That date aligns with AST SpaceMobile’s satellite deployment goals.
Competitive Landscape
The announcement came one day after Starlink signed a deal with Veon. That agreement provides SpaceX with potential access to 150 million customers across Veon’s coverage areas.
SpaceX acquired additional U.S. spectrum licenses from EchoStar for $2.6 billion. The purchase expands its capabilities in the mobile connectivity space.
AST SpaceMobile currently has six satellites operational. The company targets deploying up to 60 satellites by 2026.
Starlink operates more than 8,000 satellites. The gap in operational capacity between the competitors is large.
Recent Stock Movement
ASTS shares increased roughly 2% in premarket trading Friday. Vodafone shares showed minimal movement in London trading.
The stock experienced weakness before the announcement. AST SpaceMobile dropped 7.25% to close at $65.28 in its latest session.
The decline was steeper than broader market losses. The S&P 500 decreased 1.12% that day.
Over the past month, ASTS shares have decreased 13.33%. The Computer and Technology sector posted a 3.58% gain during the same timeframe.
AST SpaceMobile will report quarterly results on November 10, 2025. Analyst consensus expects EPS of -$0.18, a 25% improvement from last year’s quarter.
Revenue estimates point to explosive growth. The forecast calls for $20.74 million in revenue, representing a 1785.45% increase year-over-year.
Full-year projections show EPS of -$0.98 and revenue of $53.9 million. These figures would mean a 48.48% larger loss but 1119.96% higher revenue compared to the previous year.
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