Vi Partners with AST SpaceMobile for Direct Satellite Internet Service in India

Vi (formerly Vodafone Idea) has announced a strategic partnership with U.S.-based AST SpaceMobile to deliver direct-to-device satellite internet across India. This initiative allows ordinary smartphones to access voice, video, and internet services via satellite—no additional hardware or apps required

🚀 What the Partnership Brings

1. Satellite connectivity as a service
   Vi will leverage AST’s satellite network to extend mobile broadband into India’s remote and inaccessible areas, filling coverage gaps
2. No special devices needed
   Connection is made through regular 4G/5G smartphones—no need for satellite phones or extra software
3. Joining India’s satellite internet movement
   With Vi’s move, they join Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio in embracing satellite broadband, marking a significant shift in India’s telecom space
4. Enhanced digital inclusion
   By covering rural and underserved regions, the partnership advances the Indian government’s goal of universal internet access
5. Ground and space integration
   Satellite service will complement Vi’s terrestrial networks, ensuring seamless coverage in areas where traditional towers can’t reach
6. Competitive edge & future impact
   The partnership positions Vi as a leader in satellite integration and helps differentiate it from competitors, potentially influencing tariff and service strategies

🔧 How It Will Work

• AST satellites in LEO (BlueBird constellation) link with ground-based gateways connected to Vi’s core network.
• Smartphones communicate directly with satellites using 4G/5G band signals.
• No hardware modifications are needed; service functions like a terrestrial connection.

🗓️ Timeline & Status

• The partnership was announced on June 18–19, 2025, with a launch timeline yet to be disclosed vodafone
• Vi remains the third major Indian telco—after Jio and Airtel—to enter the satellite broadband domain

🌍 Broader Context

AST SpaceMobile is already active globally—working with Vodafone in Europe, AT&T, Verizon in the U.S., and others to provide full satellite-to-phone coverageThis expansion reflects a growing telecom trend to close digital divides using satellite infrastructure.

✅ Final Take

Vi’s partnership with AST SpaceMobile marks a pivotal move in expanding India’s digital connectivity footprint. By delivering satellite broadband directly to everyday smartphones—no extra hardware required—it stands to revolutionize rural access, enhance disaster resilience, and bring Vi into a new competitive stratosphere.