Forget Starlink! Vodafone Idea to Launch Satellite Calls in India With AST SpaceMobile
New Delhi, June 19, 2025 — Vodafone Idea (Vi) has announced a strategic partnership with U.S.-based satellite firm AST SpaceMobile to deliver direct-to-smartphone satellite connectivity across India, especially targeting remote and underserved regions.
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AST SpaceMobile is building the world’s first space-based cellular broadband network designed to connect standard mobile phones without additional hardware. The company previously made headlines by completing the first-ever voice and video call from space using a regular mobile phone.
According to Vi’s official statement, the collaboration aims to extend mobile coverage to areas where terrestrial networks cannot reach. The service will support both commercial and government applications, though a specific launch date has not yet been announced.
This move puts Vodafone Idea in competition with Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio, both of which have partnered with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer Starlink’s satellite services in India.
Vi’s promoter, Vodafone Plc, already has an existing global agreement with AST SpaceMobile. The new tie-up underscores Vi’s push to innovate and remain competitive in India’s evolving telecom landscape, especially as it continues to battle financial challenges and subscriber losses.
A company spokesperson noted that material developments regarding the launch timeline will be shared “in due course.”
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