Orange Partners with AST SpaceMobile and Satellite Connect Europe on Direct-to-Device (D2D) Satellite Connectivity
Orange has signed an MOU with AST SpaceMobile and Satellite Connect Europe related to collaboration on Direct-to-Device technology in relevant markets.
(Issey-les-Moulineaux, France) French multinational telco Orange S.A. (ORA.PA) announced this morning (Mar. 2) that it has partnered with AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) and Satellite Connect Europe, a joint venture between AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone (NASDAQ: VOD) – on direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity in relevant Orange markets, beginning with demonstrations in Romania.
Image courtesy of Orange S.A..
According to today’s press release from Orange, the company, which was the first European telecom operator to launch a D2D commercial service with “Message Satellite” in France, seeks to expand its strategy now with AST SpaceMobile to include D2D technology, enhancing the user experience, as an extension of its best-in-class mobile network coverage.
The new initiative is intended to enable Orange to complement its terrestrial coverage in remove areas, and to enhance its service resilience, according tot he company.
Per Orange, a demonstration in Romania covering voice, SMS and data will be conducted in 2H2026.
The Orange-AST-Satellite Connect Europe collaboration also includes exploring specific measures to support European security requirements and studying the integration into a Core Network managed by Orange, according to today’s press release.
“Direct-to-Device satellite connectivity is an essential complement to our mobile networks, ensuring 100% connectivity for our customers wherever they are located,” said Christel Heydemann, Chief Executive Officer of Orange. “I am delighted to announce today the launch of tests in Romania with AST SpaceMobile through Satellite Connect Europe joint venture. As part of our Trust the future strategy, we are committed to providing trusted, secure solutions that comply with European regulations.”
Abel Avellan, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of AST SpaceMobile, added: “Together with Orange, we are advancing space-based cellular broadband to support seamless connectivity for everyday smartphones. By leveraging our purpose-built satellite network, this initiative marks meaningful progress toward expanding resilient coverage across more geographies and eliminating coverage gaps to extend mobile broadband everywhere.”
Note: AST SpaceMobile is schduled to report earnings today (Mar. 2) after the close.
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