The facility will oversee satellite connectivity across Europe, helping mobile network operators (MNOs) deliver reliable broadband to underserved areas and support emergency and disaster response services. 

The final site is expected to be near either Munich or Hannover, pending ongoing negotiations, the telecoms giant revealed.

Meanwhile, the project aims to launch a scalable satellite mobile broadband service in 2026, with interest already expressed by MNOs in 21 EU member states and other European countries.

The European satellite constellation will feature a secure “command switch” system, allowing operators to update encryption keys and manage satellite beam direction.

It will also serve both commercial and public protection needs, the companies said in a statement.

Margherita Della Valle, CEO of Vodafone, said: “SatCo delivers a sovereign satellite solution to the whole of Europe. It will give European operators access to secure and resilient satellite communications, complementing existing terrestrial telecommunications networks. 

“By establishing a satellite constellation in the EU and our principal command centre in Germany, we are ensuring the next frontier of communications infrastructure is firmly embedded in Europe.”

RELATED STORIES

AST SpaceMobile expands in MENA with stc partnership

Exclusive: Vodafone Group and Vodafone Ukraine to build new submarine cable system across Black Sea