Orange has partnered with AST SpaceMobile and Satellite Connect Europe to enhance direct-to-cell connectivity across Europe and Africa. The French telecom giant joins forces with AST SpaceMobile, a Texas-based satellite communications company, to demonstrate voice, SMS, and data services in Romania by late 2026. This partnership marks Orange's latest move in expanding satellite-to-smartphone capabilities.

Satellite Connect Europe, a joint venture between AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone, aims to establish a Europe-based satellite constellation with operations in Germany. Orange's collaboration with AST SpaceMobile adds to its growing roster of satellite providers, which already includes Eutelsat, SES, Starlink, and Telesat. The multi-vendor approach allows Orange to select the most suitable partner for each market based on local conditions.

Orange CEO Christel Heydemann has emphasized European satellite sovereignty, positioning this partnership as part of a broader strategy to compete with global players like Starlink and Amazon's upcoming low Earth orbit network. The company plans to expand satellite-to-smartphone operations across its European and African markets, ensuring service resilience during emergencies. This development reflects the growing competition among European telecom operators to offer satellite connectivity, with companies like Telefonica and Kyivstar also announcing similar partnerships.