Orange Group is exploring Direct-to-Device satellite technology, which strategically complements its high-performance mobile networks
Magda Purice
Posted On March 2, 2026
- The operator will collaborate with AST SpaceMobile and Satellite Connect Europe.
- Romania will be the first country in the Orange Group where a test will be carried out that will evaluate the performance of SMS, voice and data services through satellite connectivity, in the second half of 2026
Orange Group announces the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with AST SpaceMobile and Satellite Connect Europe, a company owned in partnership by AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone. The agreement involves collaboration on D2D (Direct-to-Device ) satellite connectivity in various important markets for the Orange Group. Romania will be the first country where Orange will test the viability of the new technology, through the AST SpaceMobile satellite constellation. Through this initiative, the operator intends to complete its terrestrial network coverage even in the most isolated areas and increase the resilience of services.
“Romania has been over time one of the most fertile places for testing and implementing the most innovative technologies for the Orange Group. We all know the ever-growing connectivity needs of Romanians and we want to accelerate digitization efforts, in order to expand the terrestrial infrastructure with the space infrastructure, providing coverage even in the most isolated areas. Testing the solution offered by AST SpaceMobile for the first time in Romania will give us the opportunity to increase network capabilities and bring state-of-the-art satellite technologies to mobile devices”, said Julien Ducarroz, Executive Director of Orange Romania.
The test will be carried out by Orange Romania in the second half of 2026, to evaluate the performance of SMS, voice and data services through satellite connectivity. The collaboration is part of the new strategic plan, Trust the Future, in which trust is the central value of the Orange Group’s operating and service delivery model. The operator aims to provide its customers with connectivity available in all conditions, by complementing its high-performance terrestrial networks (mobile and broadband) with satellite technologies. They have the potential to provide reliable connectivity in the most remote or poorly covered areas. The solution offered by AST SpaceMobile involves the direct access of several categories of smartphones to satellite connectivity, without the need for hardware and software changes or dedicated devices.
” Direct-to-Device satellite connectivity is an essential complement to our mobile networks, which will ensure the connection of 100% of our customers, no matter where they are. I am happy to announce today the tests that will take place in Romania, in collaboration with AST SpaceMobile, through the Satellite Connect Europe joint venture. Through our strategy, Trust the Future, we are committed to providing reliable, secure solutions that comply with European regulations,” said Christel Heydemann, Chief Executive Officer of Orange Group.
With 60 years of experience in the satellite telecommunications sector, the Orange Group collaborates with the entire industry, covering all orbits. The operator has a key role in the delivery of satellite communications for residential, enterprise and wholesale customers. Thus, the company offers services to satellite operators, providing teleports and gateways on the ground, to meet their needs for terrestrial interconnection. The tests that follow in Romania are a new step towards increasing this ecosystem. D2D technology has the potential to become a service for customers in Romania, covering all areas where geography makes the placement of communication equipment difficult or even impossible. Thus, any user could use their mobile phone without interruption, even where ordinary terrestrial signals cannot reach.
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