VodafoneThree's satellite ambitions could rid the UK of "not spots" once and for all

An announcement from Ofcom has revealed that VodefoneThree is working to use satellites to create a better network with wider smartphone coverage.

By using satellites, as well as current networks, this could create a far broader range of coverage, allowing smartphones to get good connections even in areas currently known as "not spots".

Ofcom has granted a licence for the company to use the 900MHz band with 4G and 5G for mobile broadband, calls and text connectivity in more remote areas.

Vodafone has a team-up going on with SatCo and AST SpaceMobile which will allow current standard smartphones to work with the satellite connections.

AST has shown off download speeds of over 20Mbps using a 5MHz channel. Serviceable but nothing compared to what its next generation satellites could offer with up to 120Mbps speeds.

Currently O2 Satellite has been approved for the 1800MHz band for a similar offering which will use SpaceX's global Starlink for a 4G offering.

When will the Vodafone AST offering start?

Vodafone has now got the licence it needed from Ofcom, which helps keep it on track for a planned launch in summer 2026.

This should mean that, if you wander into an area where signal is low, you'll be switched across to direct satellite connectivity for consistent full four bar service.