Vodafone has strengthened its partnership with satellite network operator Intelsat to extend its satellite connectivity services to organisations operating in remote areas and disaster zones. The agreement aims to boost Vodafone’s ability to provide reliable and rapid communication services in places where traditional networks are difficult to establish.
The collaboration will enhance Vodafone’s terrestrial networks by incorporating Intelsat’s satellite technology to offer broader coverage in underserved regions. This move will benefit businesses, governments, and charities, enabling them to support critical operations such as tracking cargo, connecting temporary sites, and providing resilient communication solutions during emergencies.
Through this partnership, Vodafone will add Intelsat’s Flex portfolio to its existing satellite services, offering new satellite connectivity solutions to both private and public sector clients worldwide. The services are built on Intelsat’s Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellite network, delivering two main types of satellite communication products: Communications-on-the-Move (COTM) and Communications-on-the-Pause (COTP).
The COTM service allows users to stay connected while on the move, using vehicle-mounted satellite antennas, which is particularly useful for organisations with mobile operations in remote areas. Meanwhile, the COTP service provides connectivity via a compact satellite terminal that can be quickly set up when users need to pause at temporary sites. Both solutions are designed to offer secure, reliable, and user-friendly satellite communication options.
These services will also support Vodafone Foundation, the company’s charitable arm, in its initiatives focused on connected health and education across Europe and Africa. Vodafone Foundation is prepared to collaborate with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), governments, and relief agencies in responding to humanitarian and environmental disasters, providing the necessary communication infrastructure in challenging conditions.
Marika Auramo, CEO of Vodafone Business, highlighted the significance of this expanded partnership, saying: “Our agreement with Intelsat adds depth and breadth to Vodafone’s global network. With these new services, we can provide additional connectivity and resilience to customers in some of the hardest-to-reach places. Whether they’re on the move or need to establish communications quickly in the wake of a disaster, this partnership strengthens our ability to deliver.”
Jean Philippe Gillet, Senior Vice President of Media, Mobility and Networks at Intelsat, emphasised the importance of reliable connectivity in today’s world. “The welfare of communities and their citizens is increasingly linked to their ability to access reliable connectivity services. The goal of our Flex services is to make it easier for our customers to leverage the reach and reliability of Intelsat’s network. This partnership will support not only charitable initiatives like the Vodafone Foundation but also global enterprises and rapid-response organisations.”
In addition to this extended agreement with Intelsat, Vodafone continues to explore satellite connectivity innovation, including direct-to-smartphone services using low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology. This pioneering work is aimed at expanding the scope of satellite communication, offering new opportunities for more comprehensive and flexible global connectivity solutions.
The expanded partnership is expected to play a key role in improving communication services in the most difficult-to-access regions, enhancing both commercial and humanitarian efforts worldwide.
