Vodafone, AST SpaceMobile select Germany for Satellite Operations Centre

Vodafone (VOD) and AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) have selected Germany as the location for their main Satellite Operations Centre. The center will allocate, and map satellite connectivity used by SatCo to serve mobile network operators across Europe to ensure ubiquitous mobile broadband in underserved areas and support emergency services and disaster relief agencies. It will be located near either Munich or Hannover, depending on final negotiations with all relevant parties. AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by everyday smartphones, designed for both commercial and government applications. SatCo aims to provide a scalable European satellite mobile broadband service for use by MNOs to benefit all European citizens, businesses and public sector organisations. MNOs in 21 European Union member states and other European countries have expressed interest in adopting the service, with commercial launch planned to commence from 2026. The planned EU constellation will include a ‘command switch’ feature to support European oversight and security. This capability supports updating all telemetry, tracking, and control encryption keys for both S-Band and Q/V-Band. It also allows for the modification of service encryption keys for communications across the continent, as well as manages the activation, deactivation, and direction of satellite beams in Europe. In addition to commercial mobile broadband, the constellation will support public protection and disaster relief efforts.