Satellite Connect Europe Begins Deployment of Ground Infrastructure to Expand Direct Mobile Satellite Connectivity

Satellite Connect Europe Begins Deployment of Ground Infrastructure to Expand Direct Mobile Satellite Connectivity

(IN BRIEF) Satellite Connect Europe has launched as a Luxembourg-based provider of direct-to-device satellite broadband services for European mobile network operators. Formed as a joint venture between Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile, the company will deploy five European ground stations and provide satellite connectivity that works directly with existing smartphones without requiring hardware changes. A newly appointed leadership team will oversee the rollout as Satellite Connect Europe works with operators to extend mobile coverage beyond terrestrial networks while maintaining European data control. The initiative represents a significant step toward broader satellite-enabled mobile connectivity across Europe.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 27-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Satellite Connect Europe has officially launched as a new open-access provider of direct-to-device satellite broadband services designed to support mobile network operators across Europe. Headquartered in Luxembourg and owned by European stakeholders, the company aims to extend mobile coverage beyond the limits of terrestrial networks through satellite-based connectivity that integrates directly with existing mobile infrastructure.

The company represents the next phase of a joint initiative originally introduced in 2025 by Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile. Satellite Connect Europe will work in partnership with mobile network operators to deliver satellite-enabled connectivity that complements traditional land-based networks, allowing operators to expand coverage into remote or underserved areas while maintaining control of their services and customer relationships.

A newly appointed leadership team will oversee the company’s expansion and infrastructure investments. John Slamecka has been named Chairman of the Board, bringing decades of international telecommunications leadership experience. Darren Ennis joins as a Board Director, contributing expertise in European regulatory and policy affairs, while Meredith Sharples has been appointed Managing Director after serving in senior telecom leadership roles, most recently in the Caribbean. The Luxembourg-based executive team also includes Florian Wopfner as Head of Finance, Beki Muinde as General Counsel and Head of External Affairs, and Daniel Thomas as Head of Sales and Commercial.

Satellite Connect Europe is moving forward with the deployment of five ground stations across Europe to support continent-wide satellite coverage. Construction is already underway in Spain and the United Kingdom, with three additional sites currently being finalized. These ground stations will enable the delivery of direct-to-device services that connect ordinary smartphones directly to satellites without requiring hardware modifications or software updates.

The company’s approach ensures that network operations, data management, and service control remain within European jurisdiction, addressing regulatory and data sovereignty considerations. Through exclusive access in Europe to AST SpaceMobile’s low Earth orbit satellite constellation, Satellite Connect Europe will support direct mobile broadband connectivity to standard 4G and 5G smartphones, operating as an extension of terrestrial mobile networks.

Satellite Connect Europe is already collaborating with European mobile network operators to support the rollout of satellite-enabled mobile services. The company’s operator-focused model is intended to support industry growth while enabling regulators and service providers to make effective use of IMT and MSS spectrum resources.

Industry analysts view direct-to-device satellite connectivity as a major step forward in expanding network coverage. The technology is expected to improve mobile access in areas where terrestrial networks alone cannot provide consistent service, contributing to more resilient communications infrastructure across Europe.

ENDS

For more information, contact:
Howard Jones
Howard@satco.eu.com
+44 7500 849 738

About Satellite Connect Europe

Luxembourg headquartered Satellite Connect Europe is a joint venture between Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile, created to deliver seamless, secure and resilient direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity for European Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). The company helps operators extend service reach while maintaining control of service experience, customer relationships, and all customer data. European-built and operated, Satellite Connect Europe supports Governments, operators and enterprises in strengthening Europe’s critical communications infrastructure.

www.satelliteconnecteurope.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/satellite-connect-europe/

SOURCE: Vodafone Group