French telecommunications operator Orange said on March 2 that it is partnering with AST SpaceMobile and Satellite Connect Europe - a joint venture between AST and Vodafone - to develop direct-to-cell satellite connectivity solutions. The companies plan demonstrations of voice, SMS and data services in Romania in late 2026, according to the announcement.
Satellite Connect Europe, which was established last November, has stated its intent to create a Europe-based satellite constellation. The venture plans to locate an operational centre in Germany and to pursue satellite-to-smartphone connectivity for both commercial customers and government applications.
Orange's chief executive, Christel Heydemann, has publicly argued for strengthening European satellite capabilities. She has framed the effort as an attempt to secure European satellite sovereignty and to ensure competitive options to other low Earth orbit networks, specifically citing competition from Starlink and an upcoming Amazon network.
The collaboration signals a focus on direct-to-device links that can carry traditional telecommunications services - voice and SMS - alongside mobile data. The announced demonstrations in Romania are intended to exercise those capabilities on a user-facing basis, with a timeline set for late 2026.
Details released with the partnership announcement emphasize the geographic and operational focus - a constellation based in Europe with an operations hub in Germany - and the dual commercial and government market focus. Beyond the planned demonstrations, the public material does not specify additional deployment timetables, technical specifications, or commercial terms.
For investors and market participants, the deal highlights a broader industry trend toward integrating satellite systems with terrestrial mobile networks to expand coverage and provide alternative routes for connectivity. The announcement also underscores a policy angle, with Orange's leadership pressing for competitive European alternatives to non-European low Earth orbit services.
Contextual note - The companies have provided a schedule for demonstrations and a high-level description of Satellite Connect Europes goals, but public information accompanying the announcement does not extend to operational details beyond the planned Romania demonstrations and the establishment of an operational centre in Germany.