Vodacom Targets Satellite Cell Service by 2027

Vodacom hopes to launch direct-to-cell satellite services by the end of 2027, with AST SpaceMobile the most likely partner.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Telecommunications

Isometric editorial illustration of a lone lattice cell tower on a dry plateau with a satellite overhead, connected by a thin beam of light. — Vodacom hopes to launch direct-to-cell satellite phone service by the end of 2027, with AST SpaceMobile the most likely partner. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Vodacom hopes to launch direct-to-cell satellite services by the end of 2027. AST SpaceMobile is the most likely satellite partner for the service, which follows a partnership announced at the end of 2020.

Why it matters

The plan would extend mobile connectivity to areas that terrestrial networks do not reach, including remote cellular sites. The timeline depends on satellite rollout progress and on regulatory approvals.

AST SpaceMobile had 12 commercial BlueBird satellites in low Earth orbit plus one test satellite in its third-quarter results, against a stated target of 45 by mid-2027. The rollout timing and licensing outcome remain unconfirmed.

The players

Vodacom

Vodacom is a South African mobile network operator and a subsidiary of Vodafone, with a large share of the country's mobile market.

AST SpaceMobile

AST SpaceMobile is a US company developing a satellite-based cellular broadband network that works directly with unmodified smartphones.

The details

In September 2023, Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile completed the first space-based 5G voice call using an unmodified Samsung Galaxy S22 smartphone. Separately, Vodacom announced an agreement with Starlink in November 2025 for satellite broadband services across Africa, and it tested Starlink backhaul in Mozambique.

End of 2020: Vodacom announces its partnership with AST SpaceMobile.
2022: Planned start of AST SpaceMobile engineering trials with Vodacom priority access.
September 2023: Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile complete the first space-based 5G voice call.
2024: AST SpaceMobile launches its first five commercial BlueBird satellites.
End of 2027: Vodacom hopes to launch direct-to-cell satellite services.

Big Picture

Vodacom's plan extends AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird constellation into South African service, which depends on the constellation reaching its target of over 100 satellites. Its progress will show whether direct-to-cell satellite coverage can become practical for African mobile operators.

Customers in South Africa will not have direct-to-cell satellite service before the end of 2027 at the earliest, so current network plans remain the reliable option. Businesses with remote sites should monitor the Starlink and Amazon Leo backhaul agreements for interim connectivity options.

The takeaway

Satellite-to-phone connectivity is moving from trials toward commercial service, but South African customers should treat the 2027 target as a forecast rather than a confirmed launch date. Progress will become clearer as satellite launch counts rise.

What happens next

AST SpaceMobile aims to have 45 BlueBird satellites in orbit by mid-2027, a milestone that will indicate whether the 2027 service timeline is achievable.