Vodafone Spain Partners with Satellite Connect Europe on D2D Coverage

Vodafone Spain has signed a commercial agreement with Satellite Connect Europe to develop direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity for mobile phones, targeting coverage in remote areas, emergency situations and enterprise environments.

The planned VodafoneSAT service is intended to act as an additional resilience layer where terrestrial mobile networks are unavailable or disrupted. Target scenarios include rural regions, maritime locations, natural disasters, emergency response and security-related incidents.

The service would allow users with compatible mobile phones to access basic satellite-enabled connectivity outside normal coverage areas, including messaging via apps and map access. Vodafone said the technology is designed to use available spectrum efficiently while complementing, rather than replacing, its existing mobile network.

Vodafone Spain plans to begin developing use cases during 2026 with companies, public administrations and strategic sectors. Applications are expected to span emergency services, rural connectivity, maritime operations, defence, security, agriculture and business services.

Commercial launch is expected from 2027, subject to regulatory progress. However, Vodafone indicated that early deployment could be authorised in exceptional or emergency circumstances, provided the relevant institutional approvals are in place.

The announcement follows wider activity around Satellite Connect Europe in the Spanish market. In March 2026, Telefónica has also confirmed collaboration with the company to explore how D2D satellite capabilities could integrate with its 4G and 5G networks in Spain and Germany.