Vodafone Romania and Satellite Connect Europe are collaborating for the prospective implementation of the new satellite technology, with service trial exercises to begin in Romania in the coming months. Smartphones will automatically connect to satellites when the land mobile signal drops, eliminating areas without coverage for consumers and emergency services.
Vodafone Romania has today announced its collaboration with Satellite Connect Europe to test direct to device (D2D) open access satellite connectivity services in Romania in the summer of 2026. This is a first step in the partnership of the two companies, to provide uninterrupted satellite coverage to consumers, companies and public services in Romania.
By integrating satellite capability directly into existing 4G and 5G networks, Vodafone Romania and Satellite Connect Europe will enable smartphones to automatically switch between terrestrial and satellite signals. Thus, users will stay connected without interruptions even in areas without mobile coverage at present.
This will help reduce long-term coverage gaps with increased safety, supporting rural and isolated communities and enabling emergency services to maintain communications during severe weather, major incidents or potential cross-border crises.
Vodafone supports the development of satellite services in Europe in line with European regulatory mechanisms and spectrum usage requirements. Vodafone and Satellite Connect Europe will work with European mobile operators, EU institutions and Member States to develop a harmonized European framework for D2D satellite services, including simplified authorization procedures.
“Our partnership with Satellite Connect Europe and today’s announcement regarding the upcoming exercises are proof of our efforts to connect Romania and Romanians. We look forward to getting started and being able to bring together mobile and satellite networks to provide our customers with coverage through innovative connectivity solutions as part of our promise for Romania“, said Nedim Baytorun, CEO of Vodafone Romania.
“We are pleased to announce this collaboration with Vodafone Romania, a company that recognizes the importance of a European direct-to-device satellite connectivity service. This is an important step forward for mobile users across Europe and demonstrates how leading European operators are increasingly trusting Satellite Connect Europe”, stated the General Director of Satellite Connect Europe, Meredith Sharples.
