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 assembling four satellites per month and plans to begin launching satellites in 2024-04-01, with more powerful Version 2 satellites to follow.
AST SpaceMobile signed an agreement with Japanese telco Rakuten for a planned direct-to-smartphone service.
Rakuten will deploy AST SpaceMobile’s services starting in 2026.
Using spectrum from terrestrial mobile network partners is a key element of SpaceX, Lynk Global, and AST SpaceMobile plans to provide direct-to-smartphone services.
AST SpaceMobile trades on Nasdaq after merging with a SPAC in 2021.
Texas-based AST SpaceMobile received a $155,000,000 strategic investment from companies including AT&T to expand its direct-to-smartphone network.
As part of the ELEVATE program, AST will benefit from access to Viasat’s global L-band network to amplify its ability to provide IoT and satellite connectivity services.
AST will gain access to Viasat's broader partner network for collaboration on niche communications solutions.
AST will benefit from Viasat's global L-band network to enhance its IoT and satellite connectivity services.
AST SpaceMobile operates the BlueWalker 3 satellite, which the company describes as the largest-ever commercial communications array in low Earth orbit.
AST SpaceMobile received a $155,000,000 strategic investment from AT&T, Google, and Vodafone.
AST SpaceMobile’s planned operational satellites have beams designed to support a capacity of up to 40 MHz, potentially enabling data transmission speeds of up to 120 Mbps.
Vodafone committed a $25,000,000 minimum revenue commitment to AST SpaceMobile, subject to a definitive agreement.
AST SpaceMobile plans to draw up to $51,500,000 from its existing senior-secured credit facility in addition to the strategic investment, bringing aggregate new financing to up to $206,500,000 in gross proceeds.
AT&T committed $20,000,000 in revenue contingent on the launch and successful initial operation of AST SpaceMobile’s first five commercial satellites.
In 2023, AST SpaceMobile, working with AT&T, Vodafone, Rakuten, and Nokia, demonstrated 0.002 kg, 0.004 kg LTE, and 0.005 kg calls and achieved 14 Mbps download speeds per 5 MHz channels directly from space to everyday smartphones.
AST SpaceMobile operates vertically integrated manufacturing and testing facilities in Midland, Texas totaling 185,000 square feet.
AST SpaceMobile has agreements and understandings with more than 40 mobile network operators globally that collectively serve over 2 billion subscribers.
The gross proceeds to AST SpaceMobile, Inc. will be approximately $115,000,000 if the underwriter exercises its option to purchase additional shares in full.
AST SpaceMobile, Inc. will sell 32,258,064 shares of Class A common stock at a price to the public of $3.10 per share.