Global law firm Freshfields is advising AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (“AST SpaceMobile”) on its joint venture with the Vodafone Group (“Vodafone”). The new joint venture company, SatCo, is headquartered in Luxembourg and will exclusively distribute AST SpaceMobile’s satellite services to European mobile network operators under a single turnkey arrangement.

SatCo’s wholesale offering of direct-to-device mobile broadband satellite services, which complement terrestrial networks, has generated expressions of interest from network operators in 21 EU member states, as well as in other European markets. Commercial services are expected to begin in 2026. Further details on the transaction can be found here.

AST SpaceMobile is building the world’s first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by everyday smartphones, which is designed for both commercial and government application.

The Freshfields team includes partners Ethan Klingsberg, Rhys Evans, Mena Kaplan and Richard Lister, senior associates Henry Chau, Tara Gazzard, Daniel Spencer and Tom Hingley and associates Jake Allingan, Dominic Armstrong,  Sara Dube and Hannah Family. Tax advice is provided by partner Emily Szasz and associates Jessica Baker and Joseph Williams. Sanctions and expert control advice is provided by partners William Robinson and Stephanie Brown Cripps and associate Andrew Bulovsky. Employment and pensions advice is provided by partner David Mendel and senior associate Rebecca Webster. Partner Michele Davis, senior associate Sarah Gallagher and associate Isabella Graham advised on regulatory matters. Multiple trainees supported the transaction, including Matthew Cheng and Mark Khoo.

The firm’s representation of AST SpaceMobile this year includes advising it on a transaction with Ligado Networks in which AST will develop space-based broadband network using Ligado’s L-band spectrum and its $460m Convertible Notes Offering.