Orange among first partners for Vodafone, AST satellite JV

Orange has signed on as one of the first partners for the new direct-to-device satellite venture set up by Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile. The joint venture aims to use satellites to connect regular mobile phones in areas with little or no terrestrial coverage, extending basic mobile services without special handsets.

Orange’s move follows a similar announcement from Telefónica, signaling early operator interest in the Vodafone–AST model. The agreements point to a test phase where partners explore how satellite links can back up rural coverage, improve resilience in emergencies, and reach customers where building traditional networks is too expensive or impractical.