AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) Stock: Teams Up With Vodafone to Build European Satellite Empire

TLDR

• Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile announced plans to create a Europe-led satellite constellation for satellite-to-smartphone connectivity, with Germany chosen as the location for the European operational center.
• The joint venture will establish its command center near Munich or Hannover, providing services across Europe including broadband, public protection, and disaster relief starting in 2026.
• The satellite-to-phone connectivity market could exceed $10 billion by 2033, with 21 EU member states showing interest in the service.
• AST SpaceMobile currently operates six satellites and plans to deploy up to 60 by 2026, while competitor Starlink operates over 8,000 satellites.
• AST SpaceMobile stock fell 7.25% to $65.28 in recent trading, with shares down 13.33% over the past month ahead of earnings on November 10, 2025.

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Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile revealed plans on Friday to build a satellite constellation focused on Europe. The partnership aims to provide satellite-to-smartphone connectivity for both commercial customers and government agencies.

The companies will establish their European operational center in Germany. They’re considering locations near Munich or Hannover for the facility.

A joint venture between the two companies will manage the project. Vodafone already holds an investment stake in AST SpaceMobile.

AST SpaceMobile, Inc., ASTS

The satellite-to-phone connectivity market is growing fast. Paris-based consulting firm Novaspace projects the market could surpass $10 billion by 2033.

The German center will serve mobile network operators throughout Europe. Services will include broadband internet, public protection systems, and disaster relief communications.

Competition Heats Up in Satellite Connectivity

The timing of this announcement comes right after Elon Musk’s Starlink made its own moves. Starlink signed a deal with telecoms group Veon on Thursday to provide direct-to-cell connectivity.

That deal could give SpaceX access to 150 million potential customers across Veon’s markets. SpaceX also bought additional U.S. spectrum licenses from EchoStar for $2.6 billion.

The numbers show the size difference between competitors. AST SpaceMobile currently operates six satellites and wants to launch up to 60 by 2026.

Starlink operates more than 8,000 satellites. That’s a huge gap in current operational capacity.

European Focus and Security Features

The constellation will include a command switch for oversight and security. This system will handle communication encryption and satellite control over Europe.

Vodafone CEO Margherita Della Valle called it a “sovereign satellite solution” in the press release. She said it would give European operators access to secure satellite communications.

The service will work alongside existing ground-based networks. It’s designed to reach areas where traditional mobile coverage falls short.

Operators in 21 European Union member states have expressed interest in adopting the service. The satellites will beam telephone signals from space back to Earth.

Commercial operations are scheduled to begin in 2026. That’s the same year AST SpaceMobile plans to complete its satellite deployment.

AST SpaceMobile shares rose about 2% in premarket trading on Friday. Vodafone shares showed little movement in London trading.

The stock had a rough week leading up to the announcement. AST SpaceMobile closed down 7.25% at $65.28 in its latest session.

That drop was worse than the broader market. The S&P 500 fell 1.12% the same day.

AST SpaceMobile shares have dropped 13.33% over the past month. The Computer and Technology sector gained 3.58% during the same period.

The company is set to report earnings on November 10, 2025. Analysts expect an EPS of -$0.18, which represents a 25% improvement from the prior-year quarter.

Revenue estimates show stronger growth. The consensus forecast calls for $20.74 million in revenue, up 1785.45% from the same quarter last year.

For the full year, analysts project earnings of -$0.98 per share on revenue of $53.9 million. Those figures would represent a 48.48% increase in losses but a 1119.96% jump in revenue compared to last year.

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