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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BlueWalker-3 validated AST SpaceMobile’s network architecture and demonstrated the ability to deliver 0.004 kg and 0.005 kg speeds, although testing is not yet complete.
AST SpaceMobile requires Block 2 to provide coverage to the most commercially attractive MNO markets.
AST SpaceMobile’s total operating expenses increased by $61,300,000 to $152,900,000 for 2022, compared with $91,600,000 for 2021.
AST SpaceMobile reduced the Block 1 satellites to be 50% smaller than originally planned to speed up development.
AST SpaceMobile needs to raise between $550,000,000 and $650,000,000 to develop, build, and launch all 20 Block 2 satellites.
AST SpaceMobile reported that the cost for each Block 2 satellite increased by about 14% to $16,000,000 in August 2022 due to inflation and rising supply chain prices.
The proposed FCC framework would establish ground rules for SpaceX, AST SpaceMobile, Lynk Global, and other satellite companies seeking permission to provide direct-to-device services using spectrum from terrestrial mobile partners.
AT&T has partnered with the satellite direct-to-device startup AST SpaceMobile.
AST SpaceMobile’s network is being designed to offer potential solutions for network resiliency, 0.004 kg/0.005 kg competitiveness, and Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT).
Lynk Global and AST SpaceMobile are developing satellite constellations from scratch to enter the direct-to-device market.
Lynk Global and AST SpaceMobile pursue a direct-to-cell strategy to provide smartphone connectivity via satellites.
AST SpaceMobile and Zain KSA signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding at the LEAP 2023 Tech Conference in Riyadh.
AST SpaceMobile’s efforts to expand space-based cellular broadband include partnerships with Rakuten Mobile, Vodafone Group, American Tower, and AT&T.
The memorandum of understanding with TIM would support testing of AST SpaceMobile’s space-based technologies for providing 0.004 kg data and voice services in Brazil.
TIM’s first technical tests and initial evaluation of AST SpaceMobile’s planned solution are expected to take place in Brazil's North and Northeastern regions aiming for the first half of 2023, subject to factors including obtaining regulatory approval.
Space firms that went public through SPAC deals include Astra, Virgin Orbit, Rocket Lab, BlackSky, Spire, AST SpaceMobile, Satellogic, Planet, Terran Orbital, Virgin Galactic, Redwire, and Momentus.
Companies seeking to provide direct-to-smartphone services from low Earth orbit include Apple with Globalstar, SpaceX in partnership with T-Mobile, AST SpaceMobile, Lynk Global, and Sateliot.
AST SpaceMobile plans to start deploying operational satellites from late 2023 to bring 0.005 kg connectivity directly to smartphones.
AST SpaceMobile holds a portfolio of more than 2,600 patent and patent-pending claims supporting its space-based cellular broadband technology.
AST SpaceMobile’s planned commercial satellites, called BlueBirds, are being designed to provide 0.004 kg/0.005 kg cellular broadband from space across the globe on land, at sea, and in the air.