All Abel Avellan articles
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Financial & Performance
Yet another AST SpaceMobile launch delay for MNO backers
Getting current-gen BlueBirds into low-Earth orbit for cellular broadband from space taking longer than expected, but funding in place after Vodafone, AT&T and Google supported latest call. Other industry backers include American Tower, Bell Canada, Rakuten, Samsung, Cisneros…
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People
Vodafone Peoplewatch: Vinod Kumar’s new Dubai digs, fresh faces in shared services…
20+ high-profile moves in and around Vodafone, including: new private equity digs for Vinod Kumar; Group Technology exits; VodafoneZiggo top-team (and ‘value-creating’ exec at part-owner Liberty); plus more across the Group…
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Partnerships & Alliances
Telefónica joins SpaceMobile’s MNO crew
Partnership confirmed with closely watched New Sat startup ahead of late-2023 launch.
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Network & Infrastructure
SpaceMobile’s BlueWalker 3 nears launch
Vodafone partner AST SpaceMobile sets date for LEO satellite launch.
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Partnerships & Alliances
SpaceMobile steps up commercialisation plans
Confirmation of multi-launch agreement demonstrates building momentum for space-based cellular connectivity solution, despite earlier prototype delays. Satellite operators jostling for launch spots as Russian rockets are frozen out in response to Ukraine invasion. Partner and investor Vodafone set to offer seamless SpaceMobile integration, with Group CTO framing the technology ...
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Partnerships & Alliances
SpaceMobile lines up 2022 trials with Vodacom
Chairman Abel Avellan says six-month interconnection and testing programme will follow launch of BlueWalker 3 prototype. Lift-off of giant spacecraft may see slight slippage. US startup adds more MNO partners to go-to-market ahead of 2023 debut.
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Strategy & Change
SpaceMobile targets satellite status quo
AST SpaceMobile’s satellite tech represents break from past, says CEO. US space venture posts first results update since going public, as high-profile, iconoclastic startup edges closer to commercial get-go. Vodafone lends helping hand in satellite-to-cell compatibility tests. FCC opens gateway to domestic market.
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Suppliers & SCM
Altiostar flagged as supplier for Vodafone partner AST SpaceMobile
Vodafone signals plan to integrate SpaceMobile service with Vodacom, Safaricom, and Vodafone offerings initially in DRC, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, and Tanzania.
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Network & Infrastructure
High hopes: Vodafone plans African SpaceMobile debut
Territories such as Kenya and Democratic Republic of Congo seen as low-hanging fruit for edgy new satellite venture. Vodafone working behind scenes to build beyond investment in SpaceMobile, and exploit platform for network gain.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Vodafone Group: SpaceMobile-NASA collaboration
NASA working with US satellite venture; Innovus bolsters security; Vodafone’s Harmonic partnership shows its size.