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.
AST SpaceMobile has commercial agreements with AT&T and Vodafone.
Verizon and AST SpaceMobile have conducted video call trials together and tested two-way RCS messaging and voice over LTE calls.
AST SpaceMobile is preparing to start launching its Block 2 BlueBird satellites and expects at least five launches by the end of the first quarter of 2026.
AST SpaceMobile's stock price increased nearly 7% following the announcement of the agreement with Verizon.
AST SpaceMobile purchased L-band mobile satellite spectrum rights from Ligado.
Scott Wisniewski, AST SpaceMobile President and Chief Strategy Officer, stated that SpaceX’s spectrum purchase demonstrates the value of AST SpaceMobile's own spectrum acquisition.
Wisniewski believes that the combination of MSS and cellular service is a promising strategy for AST SpaceMobile.
Verizon has formalized a commercial agreement with AST SpaceMobile to provide direct-to-cell services to its customers starting in 2026.
AST SpaceMobile operates the largest commercial satellites in low Earth orbit.
AST SpaceMobile provides coverage in remote areas where terrestrial infrastructure is lacking.
AST SpaceMobile has over 50 mobile operator partnerships worldwide.
AST SpaceMobile’s cellular service is designed to work indoors and inside vehicles, connecting directly to unmodified smartphones.
AST SpaceMobile has a comprehensive spectrum strategy that combines its own spectrum and partner spectrum.
Scott Wisniewski is the president of AST SpaceMobile.
AST SpaceMobile uses low-band frequencies that can penetrate buildings and foliage for its service.
Bell Ventures provides financial backing for the partnership between Bell and AST SpaceMobile, which began in 2021.
Bell and AST SpaceMobile completed tests demonstrating voice-over-LTE calls, SMS messaging, broadband data, and emergency alerts.
The tests were conducted using AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird satellites and Bell's networks in New Brunswick during summer.
Bell plans to deploy direct-to-cell service to the Canadian market in 2026 following successful testing in New Brunswick with AST SpaceMobile.
AST SpaceMobile's flexible spectrum strategy blends its own licensed spectrum with partner spectrum.