Vi Partners with AST SpaceMobile for Satellite-Based Mobile Broadband
Vi and AST SpaceMobile team up to bring satellite-based mobile broadband, enabling high-speed internet access in areas with coverage gaps.
Vodafone Idea (Vi) has announced a collaboration with AST SpaceMobile to offer satellite-based mobile broadband to users across India. The partnership aims to enhance mobile connectivity in regions with poor or no network coverage, making high-speed internet accessible without requiring specialized equipment.
Key Details of the Partnership
Under the deal, AST SpaceMobile will be responsible for developing, manufacturing, and managing the satellite constellation, while Vi will handle terrestrial network integration, spectrum management, and market access. This collaboration is part of Vi’s commitment to leveraging advanced technologies to ensure connectivity across India.
- Satellite Constellation: AST SpaceMobile will manage the satellite infrastructure.
- Network Integration: Vi will manage spectrum access and integrate the service into its existing network.
In a statement, Avneesh Khosla, Vi’s Chief Marketing Officer, highlighted the importance of satellite communication in complementing existing terrestrial networks. He mentioned, “As satellite-based mobile access becomes a reality in India, we are looking forward to ushering in a new era of seamless and resilient connectivity.”
Expanding Connectivity for Multiple Use Cases
Chris Ivory, Chief Commercial Officer at AST SpaceMobile, emphasized the potential benefits of this partnership, particularly for sectors such as emergency response, disaster management, agriculture, and remote learning. These applications will significantly benefit from ubiquitous mobile broadband, which is made possible by satellite communication.
- Emergency & Disaster Management: Satellite communication can play a critical role in remote areas, aiding in disaster management and emergency response.
- Agriculture & Education: Remote areas will benefit from improved connectivity, helping farmers and students access essential services.
Additionally, Vi and AST SpaceMobile plan to jointly develop commercial offerings for both consumer and enterprise use, with a focus on the Internet of Things (IoT) sector.
Government Support for Satellite Communication
The collaboration comes at a time when the Indian government has prioritized the rollout of satellite communication (satcom). Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia recently stated that India is set to witness the fastest rollout of a satcom network in the world. Furthermore, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has forwarded its recommendations on satcom spectrum norms, with the government currently reviewing the policy.
- Government Support: The Indian government is pushing for a rapid satcom rollout to improve connectivity.
- TRAI’s Recommendations: New norms for satcom spectrum are being evaluated by the government.
Growing Competition in the Satcom Space
The satellite communication space in India is becoming increasingly competitive. Starlink, the satellite internet arm of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, recently received a Letter of Intent and a subsequent license from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to operate in India. Airtel-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Reliance-backed Jio SES are also waiting for regulatory approvals to begin commercial operations in the country.
- Starlink’s Entry: Elon Musk’s Starlink is set to provide satellite-based internet in India.
- Airtel & Reliance-backed Ventures: OneWeb and Jio SES are gearing up to enter the market as well.
Moreover, global giants like Amazon’s Project Kuiper and Apple vendor Globalstar have filed for satcom licences, intensifying competition in the Indian market.
