Orange Adds AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) to its Satellite Roster, Putting Europe Direct-To-Cell Trials on the Calendar for Late 2026

AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS) is one of the Best Space Stocks to Buy Now. On March 2, 2026, Reuters reported that French telecom operator Orange announced a partnership with AST SpaceMobile and Satellite Connect Europe, a joint venture between AST and Vodafone, to boost direct-to-cell connectivity. Orange said demonstrations covering voice, SMS, and data are planned in Romania for late 2026. Direct-to-device satellite services are designed to let standard smartphones connect to satellites without specialized hardware, which Orange framed as most useful where terrestrial coverage is patchy.

The deal adds AST to Orange’s expanding roster of satellite partners, which Reuters said already includes Eutelsat, SES, Starlink, and Telesat, as Orange pursues a deliberate multi-vendor strategy. A company spokesperson told Reuters Orange aims to expand satellite-to-smartphone operations across Europe and its African markets, choosing partners market by market based on conditions such as satellite coverage, ground gateway availability, and smartphone penetration. Orange also linked the multi-provider approach to service resilience during emergencies. Reuters added that Satellite Connect Europe, formed last November, aims to establish a Europe-based constellation with an operational center in Germany for commercial and government applications.

AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS) is developing the SpaceMobile network, a space-based cellular broadband system intended to connect directly to standard, unmodified smartphones.

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