New company name, leadership team and European ground infrastructure investment mark next phase in direct-to-device satellite services
Luxembourg – 27 February 2026 – Satellite Connect Europe formally launches today as Europe’s open access direct-to-device satellite broadband service provider connecting mobile network operators across Europe.
European-owned and headquartered in Luxembourg, Satellite Connect Europe brings together an experienced leadership team ready to drive the company’s investment in the deployment of five Europe-based ground stations, and significant progress in engagement with European mobile network operators (MNOs).
Satellite Connect Europe is partnering with MNOs as part of a shared ambition to extend mobile coverage beyond the limits of terrestrial networks.
The entity was introduced in 2025 as a joint venture between Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile.
John Slamecka joins Satellite Connect Europe as incoming Chairman of the Board. An Italian citizen, John brings over three decades of senior leadership roles in Europe, most recently as President of AT&T Business International.
Darren Ennis joins Satellite Connect Europe as Board Director. A Brussels-based Irish citizen Darren is Group Director of EU Affairs at Vodafone Group, leading the company’s engagement with European institutions. He brings extensive experience in public policy and regulatory strategy.
Meredith Sharples has been named as Satellite Connect Europe Managing Director. A British citizen, he returns to Europe from Digicel, where he was regional CEO across the Caribbean, and has previously held senior positions at telecom operators in Europe.
The Luxembourg based leadership team also includes Florian Wopfner, who joins Satellite Connect Europe as Head of Finance, and was previously Group CFO and MD at Docler Holding; Beki Muinde, General Counsel and Head of External Affairs, who joins from Helios Towers plc; and Daniel Thomas, Head of Sales and Commercial, who joins from Vodafone Group.
With the new leadership team in place, Satellite Connect Europe is progressing the rollout of ground stations located in five markets across Europe, with build in Spain and the UK underway and three more locations currently being finalised. These ground stations will support full European coverage.
The Satellite Connect Europe approach of giving European-operated access to AST SpaceMobile satellite network connectivity ensures that network operations, data handling and service control remain within the European jurisdiction. This infrastructure is designed to support direct-to-device services that integrate seamlessly with existing mobile networks and support existing consumer devices with no need for an upgrade.
Satellite Connect Europe is already working closely with European MNOs to support their efforts to introduce satellite-enabled mobile connectivity that complements terrestrial coverage.
Meredith Sharples, Managing Director of Satellite Connect Europe, said: “With our unique MNO-first approach, we are fully aligned with the ambitions of Europe’s service providers and regulators. We are positioned to complement existing terrestrial networks, enabling MNOs to deliver ubiquitous connectivity to their customers for the first time.”
John Slamecka, incoming Chairman of the Board, said: “Powered by a unique proposition, unique technology and unique ownership, we are here to create unparalleled value from IMT and MSS spectrum by delivering universal, operator-led mobile connectivity.”
Darren Ennis, Satellite Connect Europe Board Member, said: “Satellite Connect Europe is committed to working hand‑in‑hand with regulators, policymakers and industry to ensure IMT and MSS spectrum is used to its fullest potential. Together, we can unlock transformative new services that expand consumer choice, strengthen competition and build more resilient mobile networks across Europe.”
Satellite Connect Europe has exclusive European access to AST SpaceMobile’s low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations – the only satellite technology in the world today that will offer mobile broadband service directly to multiple 4G or 5G smartphones without the need for any specialised software, device support or updates, working seamlessly as an extension of land-based networks.
Ben Wood, Chief Analyst at CCS Insight, said: “Consumers across Europe will get a significant uplift in coverage experience through direct-to-device satellite connectivity – it will be one of the biggest leaps forward for coverage in decades. In a fast-moving market, it’s encouraging to see a direct-to-device satellite network delivering a solution for European operators.”
ENDS
For more information, contact:
Howard Jones
[email protected]
+44 7500 849 738
About Satellite Connect Europe
Luxembourg headquartered Satellite Connect Europe is a joint venture between Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile, created to deliver seamless, secure and resilient direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity for European Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). The company helps operators extend service reach while maintaining control of service experience, customer relationships, and all customer data. European-built and operated, Satellite Connect Europe supports Governments, operators and enterprises in strengthening Europe’s critical communications infrastructure.
www.satelliteconnecteurope.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/satellite-connect-europe/
