In a move poised to reshape India’s digital landscape, Vodafone Idea (Vi) has announced a strategic partnership with US-based AST SpaceMobile to bring direct-to-smartphone satellite broadband to the country. What makes this initiative revolutionary is its simplicity no special apps, no external devices, just uninterrupted mobile internet, even in the most remote corners of India. With this, Vi becomes the third major telecom operator after Airtel and Jio to enter the growing satcom race, signaling a new era of resilient and inclusive connectivity.
This collaboration is more than just a technological upgrade; it’s a bold step toward bridging the digital divide. By enabling 4G and 5G access directly from space, Vi aims to transform how connectivity is delivered in rural, remote, and underserved regions. From enhancing disaster recovery efforts to supporting smart agriculture and remote education, satellite-based mobile broadband holds the promise of leveling the playing field making the internet not just faster, but fairer.
According to Avneesh Khosla, Chief Marketing Officer at Vi, “Vi has always been committed to leveraging technology to connect every Indian and we see satellite communication as a complement to terrestrial connectivity.” This vision reflects Vi’s continued push to redefine its role in India’s telecom future one where innovation isn’t just about speed or data limits, but about access and equity.
Christopher Ivory, Chief Commercial Officer at AST SpaceMobile, emphasized India’s unique potential, stating: “India, with its vast and dynamic telecom market, is the ideal place to demonstrate how our space-based cellular broadband can seamlessly complement terrestrial networks.” He added that the goal isn’t just expanded coverage it’s about breaking down the barriers to digital inclusion, allowing everyday smartphones to access satellite-powered internet with zero friction.
As satellite broadband inches closer to mainstream adoption, Vi’s partnership with AST SpaceMobile positions it at the heart of this transformation. It’s not merely a technological leap it’s a strategic realignment that places connectivity for all at the center of innovation. In a future where smartphones connect directly to satellites, the digital divide may finally have a closing chapter, and Vodafone Idea aims to help write it.
