Vodafone Group Plc (NASDAQ: VOD), and satellite network operator, AST SpaceMobile Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS), have signed an agreement to create a jointly-owned European satellite service business (SatCo) to serve MNOs in all European markets. SatCo will seek to provide 100 percent geographic coverage in every part of Europe to give consumers and businesses access to secure space-based cellular broadband connectivity via their MNO.
The new venture will exclusively distribute AST SpaceMobile’s satellite services to European MNOs under a single turnkey arrangement. This will be underpinned by a full network management and network operations center capability, based in Europe. SatCo will build and run a network of ground stations to provide backhaul services from these MNOs across Europe to the satellite network in low Earth orbit.
According to AST SpaceMobile, its satellites already operate as remote radio heads where the core network capability remains with the MNO. SatCo is designed to build on this by providing backhaul capabilities under Vodafone co-ownership, with European headquarters and management.
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