Orange adds AST SpaceMobile to growing roster of satellite-to-mobile partners

FILE PHOTO: The logo of French telecom operator Orange is seen during the Viva Technology conference dedicated to innovation and startups at Porte de Versailles exhibition center in Paris, France, June 12, 2025. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo

March 2 (Reuters) - ⁠French telecommunications leader Orange on Monday announced a partnership ⁠with AST SpaceMobile and Satellite Connect Europe, a joint ‌venture between AST and Vodafone, to boost direct-to-cell connectivity.

Direct-to-device satellite services allow standard smartphones to connect to satellites without specialized hardware, which is particularly valuable in ​markets where terrestrial infrastructure remains patchy.