Vodafone Ukraine and AST SpaceMobile Inc. (“AST SpaceMobile”) (NASDAQ: ASTS) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to pioneer the next generation of satellite connectivity. The partnership aims to deploy a high-capacity, space-based cellular broadband network across Ukraine, enabling standard mobile devices to access high-speed data and voice services directly via satellite.
Announced at MWC Barcelona, this collaboration marks a shift from basic satellite messaging to a full-service digital experience. By leveraging AST SpaceMobile’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation, Vodafone Ukraine intends to provide its customers with seamless, high-bandwidth connectivity in areas where terrestrial infrastructure is unavailable or compromised.
The Gold Standard of Connectivity: Voice and Broadband
As the seamless convergence of terrestrial and satellite networks rapidly becomes the new industry standard, the strategic priority of this partnership is to enable a full-service, data-capable network in Ukraine. This collaboration positions the Ukrainian market at the forefront of the global shift toward a hybrid connectivity ecosystem, focusing on:
- High-Speed LEO Broadband: Delivering data rates capable of supporting modern digital life, from enterprise applications to streaming and web browsing.
- Native Voice Capabilities: Enabling real-time, low-latency voice calls directly on standard smartphones without additional hardware or apps.
- National Resilience: Providing a critical communication layer that ensures Ukrainian customers remain connected regardless of ground conditions.
Seamless User Experience: Ensuring a "transparent" transition between terrestrial towers and LEO satellites, utilizing standard 3GPP mobile devices.
Strategic Vision for Digital Connectivity
For Vodafone Ukraine, this partnership is a key component of its long-term infrastructure resilience strategy. By integrating advanced LEO technology, Vodafone Ukraine is building a "network of the future" that eliminates coverage gaps and ensures that high-speed connectivity is a right, not a privilege, for all Ukrainians.
"Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, no-compromise connectivity experience," said Olga Ustynova, CEO of Vodafone Ukraine. "By partnering with AST SpaceMobile, we are moving beyond basic connectivity to offer a robust, high-speed LEO satellite solution. We focus on ensuring an access to the full power of the internet and voice services for our customers, even in the most remote locations or under challenging circumstances."
“The agreement with Vodafone Ukraine reflects the fundamental purpose behind AST SpaceMobile: to ensure that connectivity is never limited by geography, infrastructure, or circumstance,” said Scott Wisniewski, President of AST SpaceMobile. “By extending our space-based cellular broadband network to Ukraine, we are enabling standard, everyday smartphones to access high-speed voice and data services directly from Low Earth Orbit, seamlessly integrating space- and terrestrial-based infrastructure to support consumers, businesses, and critical services nationwide. This is about delivering resilient, full-service broadband connectivity when and where it matters most.
Roadmap to Deployment
Vodafone Ukraine and AST SpaceMobile are intent on exploring all facets of the commercial launch, including go-to-market strategies, spectrum utilization, and customer experience evolution. This cooperation will be governed by rigorous technical standards and regulatory compliance to ensure a scalable and sustainable service for the Ukrainian market.
Investor & Media Notice
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the potential deployment of LEO satellite-enabled cellular services. This MoU establishes a general framework for cooperation and does not constitute a binding commercial contract. Implementation is subject to technical feasibility, definitive agreements, and necessary regulatory approvals.
