Nov 7 (Reuters) - Vodafone ( VOD ) and AST SpaceMobile ( ASTS )

are planning to establish a satellite constellation

aimed at delivering satellite-to-smartphone connectivity for

commercial and government applications across Europe.

The constellation's European operational centre will be in

Germany, with potential sites being considered near Munich or

Hannover, the companies said on Friday. It will be managed by a

joint venture set up by the two companies.

Satellite service providers are pushing to offer mobile

connectivity as broadband internet demand in underserved areas

grows.

AST, which plans to deploy up to 60 satellites by 2026, is

competing with Elon Musk's Starlink to win over telecoms

providers seeking partners for satellite internet services. It

currently has six satellites in orbit.

The German centre will ensure satellite connectivity for

mobile network operators across Europe, supporting commercial

mobile broadband, public protection and disaster relief efforts,

Vodafone ( VOD ) and AST said in a statement.

Vodafone ( VOD ) said operators in 21 European Union member states have

shown interest in adopting the service, which relies on

satellites in space beaming telephone signals back to Earth.

Commercial launch of the constellation is expected to begin

in 2026.

Vodafone ( VOD ) CEO Margherita Della Valle said in the press

release that this "sovereign satellite solution" would give

operators in Europe access to secure satellite communications

that will complement terrestrial networks.

The British mobile operator is an investor in AST.