Latest news with #SpaceMobileSatelliteSystem
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Business Standard
9 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Vodafone Idea partners AST Spacemobile to offer satellite phone services
Telecom operator Vodafone Idea on Wednesday announced a partnership with Satcom firm AST SpaceMobile, a rival of Elon Musk-owned SpaceX, to deliver satellite services on smartphones directly. AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by smartphones, designed for commercial and government applications, Vodafone Idea said in a statement. "Vi (Vodafone Idea) and AST SpaceMobile 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. The company did not disclose the date for the launch of the service. Vi's competitors Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio have joined hands with SpaceX to sell services of its satellite communications (satcom) arm Starlink in India. When asked about the partnership and service launch date, a Vi spokesperson said 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 for any specialised software or device support or updates," the statement said. Vi said 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 to provide satellite internet services in India. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has recommended the allocation of spectrum for satcom services without auction and through an administrative route - a move opposed by telecom operators. The government, under the Telecommunications Act 2023, has approved the allocation of spectrum for satcom services through administrative routes against a fixed fee for point-to-point communications only.
The Print
10 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
10 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
14 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Vodafone Idea partners with AST SpaceMobile to roll-out satcom services in India
NEW DELHI: Vodafone Idea (Vi) has partnered with US-headquartered AST SpaceMobile to deliver satellite connectivity in India. This comes months after its rivals, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel , inked separate deals with billionaire Elon Musk-owned SpaceX to deliver Starlink satellite internet service in the country. The partnership will combine Vi's pan-India mobile network with AST SpaceMobile's space-based cellular technology, which can beam signals directly to ordinary smartphones without requiring specialised software, hardware, or any updates, the companies said on Wednesday. Aligned with Digital India's initiatives, AST SpaceMobile and Vi will collaborate on the SpaceMobile Satellite System. This space-based cellular broadband ecosystem will be designed to expand Vi's terrestrial connectivity, providing voice, video, data streaming, and internet access. The partnership will encompass 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. India currently has 1.1 billion mobile subscribers, using both 4G and fifth-generation (5G) networks. While there is widespread 4G and emerging 5G coverage, satellite communication ( satcom ) will complement terrestrial connectivity to further expand broadband cellular access in some challenging terrains where deployment of terrestrial mobile infrastructure might be difficult. '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. '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. '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,' Ivory added. Both companies will also collaborate and jointly develop commercial offerings for diverse sectors, including consumer, enterprise, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Jagbir Singh, chief technology officer (CTO), Vi, earlier told ET in an interview, 'We are in conversations with (satcom) partners and will share an update at an appropriate time.' Singh had said that the telecom carrier does not see satellite communication as competition to terrestrial networks but rather a 'complement by reaching rural and disaster prone areas and expanding connectivity'.
Business Wire
16 hours ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Vi and AST SpaceMobile Announce Partnership for Satellite Connectivity
MUMBAI, India & MIDLAND, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Vi (Vodafone Idea), India's leading telecom service provider, and AST SpaceMobile, Inc. ('AST SpaceMobile') (NASDAQ: ASTS), the company building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by everyday smartphones, designed for both commercial and government applications, today 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 calls from space using standard mobile phone, a milestone that demonstrates the real-world viability of its advanced technology. 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. 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 specialized software or device support or updates. 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. '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. "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 development of use cases and applications for connectivity. Together, Vi and AST SpaceMobile will also collaborate to develop commercial offerings for diverse sectors, including consumer, enterprise and IoT. About Vodafone Idea Ltd. Vodafone Idea Limited is an Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Group partnership. It is amongst India's leading telecom service providers. The company holds a large spectrum portfolio including mid band 5G spectrum in 17 circles and mmWave spectrum in 16 circles. The Company provides Voice and Data services across 2G, 4G and 5G platforms and is expanding 5G services across 17 circles. To support the growing demand for data and voice, the Company is committed to delivering delightful customer experiences and contributing towards creating a truly 'Digital India' by enabling millions of citizens to connect and build a better tomorrow. The Company is developing infrastructure to introduce newer and smarter technologies, making both retail and enterprise customers future ready with innovative offerings, conveniently accessible through an ecosystem of digital channels as well as extensive on-ground presence. The Company's equity shares are listed on National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the BSE in India. About AST SpaceMobile AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio, and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today's five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected. For more information, follow AST SpaceMobile on YouTube, X (Formerly Twitter), LinkedIn and Facebook. Watch this video for an overview of the SpaceMobile mission. Forward-Looking Statements This communication contains 'forward-looking statements' that are not historical facts, and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results of AST SpaceMobile to differ materially from those expected and projected. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the words 'believes,' 'estimates,' 'anticipates,' 'expects,' 'intends,' 'plans,' 'may,' 'will,' 'would,' 'potential,' 'projects,' 'predicts,' 'continue,' or 'should,' or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Most of these factors are outside AST SpaceMobile's control and are difficult to predict. Factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (i) expectations regarding AST SpaceMobile's strategies and future financial performance, including AST's future business plans or objectives, expected functionality of the SpaceMobile Service, anticipated timing of the launch of the Block 2 BlueBird satellites, anticipated demand and acceptance of mobile satellite services, prospective performance and commercial opportunities and competitors, the timing of obtaining regulatory approvals, ability to finance its research and development activities, commercial partnership acquisition and retention, products and services, pricing, marketing plans, operating expenses, market trends, revenues, liquidity, cash flows and uses of cash, capital expenditures, and AST SpaceMobile's ability to invest in growth initiatives; (ii) the negotiation of definitive agreements with mobile network operators relating to the SpaceMobile Service that would supersede preliminary agreements and memoranda of understanding and the ability to enter into commercial agreements with other parties or government entities; (iii) the ability of AST SpaceMobile to grow and manage growth profitably and retain its key employees and AST SpaceMobile's responses to actions of its competitors and its ability to effectively compete; (iv) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (v) the possibility that AST SpaceMobile may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; (vi) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against AST SpaceMobile; and (vii) other risks and uncertainties indicated in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including those in the Risk Factors section of AST SpaceMobile's Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 3, 2025. AST SpaceMobile cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. AST SpaceMobile cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. For information identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the Risk Factors in AST SpaceMobile's Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 3, 2025. AST SpaceMobile's securities filings can be accessed on the EDGAR section of the SEC's website at Except as expressly required by applicable securities law, AST SpaceMobile disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
