Space and land mobile broadband research and validation hub for Europe. Photo: Vodafone

Vodafone will open a research facility in Spain for integrating Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite and terrestrial mobile broadband services with AST SpaceMobile and the University of Málaga. Vodafone announced the center on Feb. 19, calling it the first of its kind in Europe.

The hub aims to enable switching between satellite and cellular networks on smartphones. The initiative follows Vodafone’s successful space-based video call in January 2025 and aligns with its goal to expand mobile coverage across multiple markets.

Opening by summer 2025, the hub is supported by an initial grant from the Spanish Space Agency. The hub will be located at Vodafone’s European innovation center in Málaga, Spain.

The Vodafone hub will focus on the design, testing, and validation of open source hardware, software, and processing chips that can work in space and terrestrial networks. It will house a space-to-land gateway to allow its partners and other operators to test and validate their own services connected to AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites before launching them. Vodafone plans to evolve the hub into a comprehensive network and service operations center for European third-party companies.

Alberto Ripepi, Vodafone’s chief network officer, said: “Vodafone, together with AST SpaceMobile and the University of Málaga, will forge partnerships with like-minded organizations to build harmonious space and Earth networks to meet Europe’s ambitious targets for ubiquitous digital connectivity.” 

This venture builds on Vodafone’s existing relationship with AST SpaceMobile, solidified by a commercial  agreement signed in December 2024. The agreement, lasting through 2034, allows Vodafone to offer space-based cellular broadband in its markets and through partner operators.