AST SpaceMobile is a publicly traded satellite designer and manufacturer headquartered in Midland, Texas, focused on building a space-based cellular broadband network. Their SpaceMobile network aims to connect directly to standard, unmodified smartphones via their constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, like the BlueBird series. AST SpaceMobile partners with mobile network operators like AT&T, Verizon, and Vodafone to expand cellular coverage and provide connectivity in underserved areas, also securing contracts with the U.S. government for secure and reliable connectivity.
All verified mentions of this organization in source documents.
Vodafone has a commercial agreement with AST SpaceMobile that lasts through 2034 to distribute AST SpaceMobile services in its home and partner markets.
AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone announced plans for a new European satellite constellation on November 7 to provide direct-to-device services.
Rakuten Mobile plans to begin direct satellite-smartphone communication services in 2026 using the commercial satellite 'Bluebird' operated by AST SpaceMobile.
The LVM3-M6 rocket launched the US-built AST SpaceMobile communications satellite into low-Earth orbit.
The AST SpaceMobile satellite weighs 6,100 kilograms (13,448 pounds).
The commercial rollout of AST SpaceMobile's service is slated for the fourth quarter of 2026 pending regulatory approval from the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) in Saudi Arabia.
stc Group signed a 10-year commercial agreement with AST SpaceMobile to deliver satellite-based mobile broadband across Saudi Arabia and select Middle East and Africa markets.
AST SpaceMobile will build three ground gateways and a Network Operations Center in Riyadh to integrate satellite connectivity with stc Group's terrestrial mobile infrastructure.
AST SpaceMobile's partnership with stc will connect its satellite cellular system with stc's terrestrial mobile network.
AST SpaceMobile's service will provide connectivity in remote and underserved locations, supporting economic and educational advancement.
AST SpaceMobile and stc group signed a 10-year commercial agreement for direct-to-device satellite mobile connectivity across Saudi Arabia and key regional markets.
stc group made a significant long-term commercial revenue commitment as part of its agreement with AST SpaceMobile.
stc group has committed to a prepayment of $175 million for future services as part of the agreement with AST SpaceMobile.
AST SpaceMobile plans to eliminate communication black spots and ensure seamless voice and broadband access.
AST SpaceMobile will build three ground gateways in Saudi Arabia and establish a Network Operations Center (NOC) in Riyadh to support network operations and service quality.
AST SpaceMobile is partnered with Rakuten Mobile in Japan, with service provision planned for the fourth quarter of 2026.
Commercial services by AST SpaceMobile and the stc Group are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approval and licensing.
AST SpaceMobile signed a 10-year contract for satellite mobile connectivity with the stc Group based in the MENA region.
The partnership is intended to create a paradigm shift in connectivity by leveraging AST SpaceMobile’s technology to extend the network beyond traditional terrestrial infrastructure.
AST SpaceMobile is building a constellation of satellites called 'BlueBird' to provide broadband service that allows direct communication between satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and mobile phones.