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The Print
7 hours ago
- Business
- The Print
Vodafone partners with SpaceX rival AST SpaceMobile for satcom service on smartphones
'Vi (Vodafone Idea) and AST SpaceMobile Inc…announced a strategic partnership to expand mobile connectivity across India's unconnected regions. AST SpaceMobile made history by placing the first-ever voice and video call from space using a standard mobile phone, a milestone that demonstrates the real-world viability of its advanced technology,' the statement said. AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by smartphones, designed for both commercial and government applications, Vodafone Idea said in a statement. New Delhi, Jun 18 (PTI) Debt-ridden telecom operator Vodafone Idea on Wednesday announced a partnership with Elon Musk-owned SpaceX rival satcom firm AST SpaceMobile for delivering satellite service on smartphones directly. Vodafone Idea's promoter firm Vodafone Plc has already signed a pact with AST SpaceMobile. During 2024, AST SpaceMobile has secured additional strategic investment from AT&T, Verizon, Google and Vodafone, and new contract awards with the United States Government, directly and through prime contractors. The company has agreements with more than 45 mobile network operators globally, 'This partnership will bring together Vi's robust national network with AST SpaceMobile's revolutionary space-based cellular technology, which connects directly to everyday smartphones without the need of any specialised software or device support or updates,' the statement said. Vi said that it will collaborate with AST SpaceMobile 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,' the statement said. '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. We are not just expanding coverage; we are breaking down barriers to connectivity, enabling everyday smartphones to access 4G and 5G directly from space,' AST SpaceMobile Chief Commercial Officer Chris Ivory said. Vi and AST SpaceMobile will also collaborate to develop commercial offerings for diverse sectors, including consumer, enterprise and IoT, the statement said. Musk-owned SpaceX is also working on similar technology to provide satellite service directly on smartphones. Starlink, is a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, has already signed pacts with Ambani's Reliance Jio and Mittal's Bharti Airtel, which together control more than 70 per cent of the country's telecom market, to bring the US satellite internet giant's services to India. Earlier in the month, Starlink has received a licence from the telecom department for providing satellite internet services in India. PTI PRS DR This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
The Print
7 hours ago
- Business
- The Print
Vodafone Idea partners SpaceX-rival AST SpaceMobile for satcom service on smartphones
'Vi (Vodafone Idea) and AST SpaceMobile Inc…announced a strategic partnership to expand mobile connectivity across India's unconnected regions. AST SpaceMobile made history by placing the first-ever voice and video call from space using a standard mobile phone, a milestone that demonstrates the real-world viability of its advanced technology,' the statement said. AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by smartphones, designed for both commercial and government applications, Vodafone Idea said in a statement. New Delhi, Jun 18 (PTI) Debt-ridden telecom operator Vodafone Idea on Wednesday announced a partnership with satcom firm AST SpaceMobile, a rival of Elon Musk-owned SpaceX, for delivering satellite service on smartphones directly. Vi did not disclose the date for the launch of the service. When asked about the partnership and service launch date, a Vi spokesperson said that the company will 'inform about material developments in due course of time'. Vodafone Idea's promoter firm Vodafone Plc has already signed a pact with AST SpaceMobile. In April 2023, AST SpaceMobile claimed to have completed the first-ever space-based voice call to an unmodified phone along with its partner. The space tech firm has claimed to have delivered the first-ever 4G download speed above 10 Mbps in June 2023 and the first-ever 5G voice call in September 2023. During 2024, AST SpaceMobile secured additional strategic investment from AT&T, Verizon, Google and Vodafone, and new contract awards with the United States Government, directly and through prime contractors. The company has agreements with more than 45 mobile network operators globally, 'This partnership will bring together Vi's robust national network with AST SpaceMobile's revolutionary space-based cellular technology, which connects directly to everyday smartphones without the need of any specialised software or device support or updates,' the statement said. Vi said that it will collaborate with AST SpaceMobile 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,' the statement said. '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. We are not just expanding coverage; we are breaking down barriers to connectivity, enabling everyday smartphones to access 4G and 5G directly from space,' AST SpaceMobile Chief Commercial Officer Chris Ivory said. Vi and AST SpaceMobile will also collaborate to develop commercial offerings for diverse sectors, including consumer, enterprise and IoT, the statement said. Musk-owned SpaceX is also working on similar technology to provide satellite service directly on smartphones. Starlink, a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, has already signed pacts with Ambani's Reliance Jio and Mittal's Bharti Airtel to bring the US satellite internet giant's services to India. Earlier in the month, Starlink received a licence from the telecom department for providing satellite internet services in India. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has recommended allocation of spectrum for satcom services without auction and through administrative route– a move which has been opposed by telecom operators. The government under the Telecommunications Act 2023 has approved allocation of spectrum for satcom services through administrative routes against a fixed fee for point to point communications only. PTI PRS MR This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Elon Musk's Starlink faces new rival as Vi joins AST SpaceMobile, smartphone satcom service announced, launch timeline under wraps
AI generated image Vodafone Idea on Wednesday announced a strategic partnership with US-based satellite communications company AST SpaceMobile to deliver satellite-based mobile services directly to smartphones across India, without the need for specialised hardware or apps. The telecom operator said the tie-up aims to expand coverage in India's unconnected regions by integrating AST SpaceMobile's space-based cellular technology with Vi's terrestrial telecom network. 'Vi and AST SpaceMobile Inc. announced a strategic partnership to expand mobile connectivity across India's unconnected regions,' Vodafone Idea said in a statement. The telco, however, did not disclose a specific launch date for the service, PTI reported. A Vi spokesperson said the company would 'inform about material developments in due course of time.' AST SpaceMobile, a competitor to Elon Musk's SpaceX, claims to be building the world's first space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by standard smartphones, and has previously conducted test calls using the technology. In 2023, the firm announced it had completed the first-ever space-based 4G call to an unmodified mobile phone, followed by a 10 Mbps download test and a 5G voice call in September. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Order New Blinds Online & Get $199 Home Installation Learn More Undo The US-based company is backed by major global telecom firms including AT&T, Verizon, Google, and Vodafone Plc, and has agreements with more than 45 mobile network operators worldwide. 'This partnership will bring together Vi's robust national network with AST SpaceMobile's revolutionary technology, which connects directly to everyday smartphones without specialised software or device support,' the statement said. Under the arrangement, AST will develop and operate the satellite constellation, while Vodafone Idea will handle spectrum use, terrestrial integration, and market access in India. 'This space-based ecosystem will enable Vi to extend voice, video, and data streaming services even in areas without tower connectivity,' the company added. Chris Ivory, Chief Commercial Officer at AST SpaceMobile, said India's telecom landscape offers an ideal platform to showcase how satellite-based cellular broadband can supplement traditional infrastructure. 'We are not just expanding coverage; we are breaking down barriers to connectivity,' he said. The partnership will also explore commercial offerings for consumer, enterprise, and IoT applications. SpaceX, which operates the Starlink satellite internet service, is also pursuing direct-to-smartphone connectivity and has signed agreements with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel to provide satellite internet in India. Earlier this month, Starlink received telecom department approval to offer services in the country. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has recommended that spectrum for satellite communication be allocated through an administrative route, a position opposed by telecom operators. The Telecommunications Act 2023 allows for spectrum allocation for point-to-point satcom services via fixed fees. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
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Business Standard
12 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Vi, AST SpaceMobile tie-up to offer direct-to-device satellite connectivity
Vi (Vodafone Idea) on Wednesday said it has tied up with US-based AST SpaceMobile to expand mobile connectivity via satellite to underserved and remote regions in India using the latter's direct-to-device technology. AST SpaceMobile develops satellites that deliver 4G and 5G connectivity directly to standard smartphones. "We are not just expanding coverage, we are breaking down barriers to connectivity, enabling everyday smartphones to access 4G and 5G directly from space," said Chris Ivory, Chief Commercial Officer, AST SpaceMobile. India ranks among the world's largest telecom markets, boasting over 1.1 billion mobile subscribers. Despite extensive 4G coverage and the rollout of 5G networks, gaps in access and connectivity still remain in remote areas. "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," the Vi said in a statement. "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, in a media release. Satellite connectivity in India In March this year, two of India's leading mobile services providers, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, announced partnerships with SpaceX to bring Starlink's satellite internet services to India. Under the agreements, Jio and Airtel will offer Starlink hardware through their retail and online platforms, and support customer service, installation, and activation. Jio aims to leverage its vast network and Starlink's low Earth orbit satellite technology to provide broadband across remote and rural India. Similarly, Airtel plans to integrate Starlink into its connectivity portfolio, using its ground infrastructure and retail presence to expand access, especially in underserved regions like rural schools and healthcare centres.
Economic Times
13 hours ago
- Business
- Economic Times
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.'
