In collaboration with AST SpaceMobile and the European joint venture Satellite Connect Europe, both operators aim to eliminate cellular dead zones by allowing standard smartphones to connect directly to satellite constellations without hardware modifications.
Orange Romania will be the first within the Orange Group to evaluate the performance of SMS, voice, and data via satellite, with tests scheduled for the second half of 2026. The initiative is designed to complement existing terrestrial networks and provide 100% coverage, even in the most remote or geographically challenging areas.
“Direct-to-Device satellite connectivity is an essential complement to our mobile networks, ensuring 100% connectivity for our customers wherever they are located,” Christel Heydemann, CEO of Orange Group, said.
Simultaneously, Vodafone Romania has partnered with Satellite Connect Europe to pilot similar D2D services. Their trials, also expected to begin in the summer of 2026, focus on seamless switching between 4G/5G terrestrial signals and satellite beams. This technology is viewed as a critical tool for enhancing national resilience and supporting emergency services during severe weather or infrastructure failures.
“Our partnership with Satellite Connect Europe and today's announcement regarding future trials are a testament to our efforts to connect Romania and Romanians,” Nedim Baytorun, CEO of Vodafone Romania, said.
