Vodafone Idea partners with AST SpaceMobile to expand mobile connectivity in remote regions

NEW DELHI: Telecom service provider Vodafone Idea (Vi) on Wednesday announced a partnership with US-based satellite communications company AST SpaceMobile Inc to extend mobile connectivity to unconnected and underserved regions in the country.

AST SpaceMobile offers space-based cellular technology that enables direct connectivity to standard smartphones—without the need for any specialized hardware, software, or updates. Under the partnership, AST SpaceMobile will be responsible for developing, manufacturing and managing the satellite constellation, while Vodafone Idea will oversee terrestrial network integration, spectrum operations and market access.