Vodafone Spain partners with Satellite Connect Europe to launch direct‑to‑device satellite broadband

Vodafone Spain has signed a commercial agreement with Luxembourg‑based Satellite Connect Europe to develop a direct‑to‑device (D2D) satellite service, branded VodafoneSAT. The technology lets a standard smartphone connect directly to orbiting satellites without external antennas, extra hardware or separate SIM cards. Vodafone plans to work with businesses, public administrations and strategic sectors to trial use cases in emergencies, rural and maritime areas, defence, agriculture, industry and transport. The operator already holds low‑band spectrum freed after the 3G shutdown, which will support the service. Commercial rollout is targeted for 2027, pending regulatory approval, though emergency deployments could start earlier with special authorisations. Satellite Connect Europe is a joint venture between AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone Group that will provide the satellite connectivity platform across Europe.