Vodafone sets up space research hub to develop 4G/5G satellite connectivity
Staff Reporter
February 19, 2025
Vodafone is taking mobile connectivity to new heights—literally. The company isto open Europe’s first dedicated research hub in Malaga for integrating low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite and land-based mobile broadband services.
This initiative will enable seamless switching between 4G/5G networks and satellite connections using standard smartphones.
The Málaga hub will focus on designing, testing, and validating open-source hardware, software, and next-generation processing chips capable of operating seamlessly across both space and terrestrial networks.
A dedicated *space-to-land gateway* will allow operators and technology partners to test and refine their services using AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites before commercial deployment (above).
Currently, satellite services require dishes, terminals, or satellite phones for direct connections. Vodafone’s vision is to make satellite connectivity as seamless as switching between WiFi and mobile networks. Earlier this month, T-Mobile US announced it was beta-testing direct connections between regular devices and Starlink satellites (below)
Last month, Vodafone made the world’s first space-powered mobile video call using this technology, connecting a phone directly to AST SpaceMobile’s satellites. The new hub will accelerate Vodafone’s mission to eliminate coverage gaps for its 340 million customers across 15 countries, as well as for network partners in 45 additional markets.
Last month, Vodafone made the world’s first space-powered mobile video call
Vodafone is promising an era where users can stay connected anywhere—whether deep in the mountains, out at sea, or in remote rural areas where traditional networks struggle.
The research centre will be housed within Vodafone’s European Innovation Centre in Málaga and will be backed by a grant from the Spanish Space Agency. Key collaborations include AST SpaceMobile and the University of Málaga (UMA) . Vodafone is also inviting tech innovators, developers, and industry partners to help build a new European ecosystem for hybrid space-terrestrial communications.
Alberto Ripepi, Vodafone Group Chief Network Officer, commented:
*”As society becomes increasingly digital, eliminating coverage gaps is more crucial than ever. Vodafone is committed to forging partnerships that seamlessly unite space and terrestrial networks, helping Europe achieve its ambitious digital connectivity goals.”*
Chris Ivory, AST SpaceMobile Chief Commercial Officer, added:
*”This partnership marks a major leap forward in our vision to deliver space-based broadband directly to everyday smartphones. By combining AST SpaceMobile’s cutting-edge satellite technology with Vodafone’s extensive network expertise, we’re paving the way for global, real-time connectivity without the need for special devices.”*
Vodafone plans to scale the hub into a fully managed network and service operations center , supporting third-party companies across Europe.
Vodafone will also leverage its expertise Open RAN to apply similar principles to space-based mobile broadband , ensuring cost-effective, scalable, and resilient satellite-mobile integration.
The Spanish Ministry of Industry has awarded the company an additional €14 million in funding under the European Commission’s Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) Programme.
