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.
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AST SpaceMobile is targeting 2026 to offer a more comprehensive service offering.
AT&T and Verizon are seeking FCC permission to test rival direct-to-smartphone services in partnership with AST SpaceMobile.
AST SpaceMobile will need around 200 BlueBird Block 2 satellites to provide a comprehensive global 0.005 kg service that includes voice.
The agreement between AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone establishes a framework for Vodafone to offer space-based cellular broadband connectivity in its home markets and to other operators via Vodafone’s Partner Markets program.
In September 2023, AST SpaceMobile and its partners completed the first 0.005 kg voice call to an unmodified phone.
AST SpaceMobile’s next-generation Block 2 BlueBird satellites feature communications arrays up to 2,400 square feet.
During 2024, AST SpaceMobile received new contract awards with the United States Government directly and through prime contractors.
In June 2023, AST SpaceMobile and its partners achieved the first 0.004 kg download speed above 10 Mbps to an unmodified phone.
In April 2023, AST SpaceMobile and its partners completed the first space-based voice call to an unmodified phone.
AST SpaceMobile and its partners completed the first-ever 0.005 kg voice call in September 2023.
AST SpaceMobile signed a global agreement with Vodafone that runs until 2034.
AST SpaceMobile and its partners achieved the first-ever 0.004 kg download speed above 10 Mbps in June 2023.
Vodafone has been a financial investor in AST SpaceMobile since 2018 and made an initial $25,000,000 (€23.7 million) investment in the company.
AST SpaceMobile and its partners completed the first-ever space-based voice call to an unmodified phone in April 2023.
AST SpaceMobile stated that 45 to 60 BlueBird satellites could provide continuous space-based cellular broadband in key markets including the United States.
SpaceX deployed AST SpaceMobile’s first five in-house-built Block 1 commercial BlueBird satellites in September.
AST SpaceMobile described its satellites as the largest-ever to operate commercially in low Earth orbit with a large field of view enabling most countries to be served with only one or two gateways.
AST SpaceMobile’s shares rose more than 16% on 2024-12-09 following news of the Vodafone arrangement.
AST SpaceMobile went public on the NASDAQ in 2021 by merging with a special purpose acquisition company.
AST SpaceMobile plans to start deploying Block 2 BlueBird satellites next year that are 3.5 times larger than Block 1 satellites.