Vodafone Idea partners with AST SpaceMobile for satellite-powered mobile connectivity across India
Vodafone Idea (Vi) on Wednesday announced that it has joined hands with US-based AST SpaceMobile in a partnership aimed at delivering space-based mobile broadband services directly to smartphones across India.
Shares of Vodafone Idea Ltd ended 0.61% lower at ₹6.56 on Wednesday.
The company in an exchange filing informed that the strategic collaboration will see the rollout of satellite-enabled voice, video and internet services in areas with limited or no mobile coverage.
By integrating AST SpaceMobile's low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite technology with Vi's terrestrial telecom network, the venture aims to significantly boost mobile connectivity in remote and challenging terrains, in line with the Indian government's 'Digital India' vision. 'India is one of the world's largest and most dynamic telecom markets, with over 1.1 billion mobile subscribers. While there is widespread 4G and emerging 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.'
AST SpaceMobile is building what it claims to be the world's first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly via standard mobile devices. The company also recently conducted the first-ever voice and video call from space using a regular smartphone.'Vi has always been committed to leveraging technology to connect every Indian and we see satellite communication as a complement to terrestrial connectivity,' said Avneesh Khosla, Chief Marketing Officer, Vi. '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.'Under the agreement, Vi will oversee the terrestrial network integration, spectrum operations and market access, while AST SpaceMobile will develop, manufacture and manage the satellite constellation that powers the system. The collaboration will support a broad range of use cases, from remote learning and telemedicine to agriculture, emergency services and disaster response.'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.'
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