Vodafone and AST Share Detail on SatCo, Pick Germany for European Satellite Ops Base
Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile have selected Germany as the base for their main Satellite Operations Centre. The move follows the creation of SatCo, the partners’ joint venture based in Luxembourg, which it has been announced will operate a European satellite constellation designed to provide direct-to-device mobile broadband across the continent.
Planned for launch in 2026, the EU constellation will integrate with terrestrial mobile networks to deliver 4G and 5G connectivity directly to unmodified smartphones. It will feature a “command switch” architecture, allowing European authorities to manage encryption keys, satellite beam direction, and security protocols, ensuring full European oversight and alignment with EU sovereignty and critical communications frameworks.
Beyond commercial coverage, the system aims to support Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) operations, offering broadband connectivity to emergency responders during crises. Germany will also host one of SatCo’s secure gateway ground stations, linking the satellites with European 4G/5G networks for seamless terrestrial–non-terrestrial handover.