A couple of recent announcements ahead of Mobile World Congress 2026:
Satellite Connect Europe formally launched yesterday as Europe’s open access direct-to-device satellite broadband service provider connecting mobile network operators across Europe.
European-owned and headquartered in Luxembourg, Satellite Connect Europe brings together an experienced leadership team ready to drive the company’s investment in the deployment of five Europe-based ground stations, and significant progress in engagement with European mobile network operators (MNOs).
Satellite Connect Europe is partnering with MNOs as part of a shared ambition to extend mobile coverage beyond the limits of terrestrial networks.
The entity was introduced in 2025 as a joint venture between Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile.
The Satellite Connect Europe approach of giving European-operated access to AST SpaceMobile satellite network connectivity ensures that network operations, data handling and service control remain within the European jurisdiction. This infrastructure is designed to support direct-to-device services that integrate seamlessly with existing mobile networks and support existing consumer devices with no need for an upgrade.
Satellite Connect Europe is already working closely with European MNOs to support their efforts to introduce satellite-enabled mobile connectivity that complements terrestrial coverage.
Meanwhile VirginMediaO2 has launched D2D services for a subset of users in the UK.
But the service won’t cover all of the UK: VMO2 notes that launching the service “boosts Virgin Media O2’s UK landmass coverage from 89% to 95%”.
That, according to CCS Insight analyst Luke Pearce, is because Starlink’s current orbital configuration doesn’t enable coverage in the far north of Scotland and parts of the Highlands, “areas where enhanced connectivity is arguably needed most,” he noted in an email shared with the media.