Vodafone is advancing a bold initiative to deliver ultra-fast internet to Spain’s most remote landscapes. The telecom company is preparing to enter the connectivity business, offering satellite voice and data services across areas where fiber is impractical or economically unviable.
Vodafone Spain aims to challenge the Hispasat satellite group, which last year accelerated wholesale options for high-speed satellite internet in rural Spain and was provisionally selected by the government for a subsidized, regulated connection service in underserved regions at affordable prices (about 35 euros per month for end users).
Vodafone Spain has completed several pilot projects to test satellite voice and data services in collaboration with AST SpaceMobile, a major Vodafone Group shareholder. This alliance ensures exclusive use of the technology in markets where Vodafone operates. The company plans to enable these tests this summer, pending mandatory regulatory approvals for radio spectrum use from the European Commission and the Spanish government.
The goal is to refine the technology to launch the first satellite mobile broadband service that connects directly to standard mobile phones in Spain, without the need for additional infrastructure to provide coverage to remote regions, especially those currently reliant on satellite dishes, as Vodafone outlined ahead of the Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona.
Vodafone announced the successful deployment of the BlueWalker 3 communications satellite last November and intends to test it in partnership with AST SpaceMobile, which has built the world’s first mobile satellite broadband network for unmodified mobile phones. When operational, users could seamlessly switch from terrestrial networks to satellite links during navigation, emergencies, or loss of terrestrial signal.
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The objective is to connect users from space at broadband speeds regardless of location, including rural, maritime, or very hard-to-reach areas. This capability would be particularly valuable for ensuring communication during emergencies or natural and human-made disasters.
Company officials emphasize that customers value speed, coverage, and price. The service would match the speed and coverage of terrestrial connections. While the business model and pricing are still under discussion, the service is framed as universally accessible rather than exclusive. This stance was articulated by a Vodafone Group executive, who noted the aim to reach all customers.
Following the service rollout, the current land coverage in Spain could expand significantly, potentially extending to roughly 95% of the population and opening access to tens of thousands of new customers. This aligns with national initiatives to boost digital connectivity and resilience, with targets aimed at nationwide data coverage, gigabit and 5G availability, and broader connectivity milestones planned for the coming years.
AST SpaceMobile has plans to register its intended satellite network in Spain. Vodafone Group designated a command center for Mediterranean traffic management, with a location yet to be finalized but Malaga under consideration, and a satellite control center is anticipated in Madrid to optimize fleet operations in coordination with other AST control centers.
Analysts describe this as a transformative solution that complements traditional coverage and suits the needs of homes and businesses in rural Spain. The overarching aim is to guarantee universal access to services and bridge the digital divide, fostering regional cohesion and broad social benefits through a connected society.