Vodafone Ireland Tests Direct-to-Device Satellite Emergency Communications
Vodafone Ireland and Ireland’s Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) have completed what the companies describe as Europe’s ...
In Focus: AST SpaceMobile
🛰️ AST SpaceMobile Direct-to-Device (D2D) Satellite Broadband Network | |
| AST SpaceMobile is building the world’s first space-based cellular broadband network designed to connect directly with standard, unmodified smartphones. Its large phased-array BlueBird satellites function as space-based cellular towers, enabling broadband connectivity in areas lacking terrestrial coverage through partnerships with leading mobile network operators worldwide. | |
| Why It Matters | AST SpaceMobile is one of the leading innovators in direct-to-device satellite communications. By extending existing mobile networks into space without requiring specialized handsets, the company seeks to eliminate cellular coverage gaps while enabling emergency communications, rural broadband and global mobility services. |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Headquarters | Midland, Texas, USA |
| Founder & CEO | Abel Avellan |
| Primary Businesses | Direct-to-Device Broadband • LEO Satellite Constellation • Mobile Network Extension • Space-Based Cellular Infrastructure |
| Key Technologies | BlueBird Satellites • BlueWalker Demonstrators • Large Phased-Array Antennas • Direct-to-Device Communications • Cellular NTN • LEO Broadband |
| Strategic Partners | AT&T • Verizon • Vodafone • Rakuten Mobile • Bell Canada • Telefónica and numerous global mobile operators |
| Converge Digest Tracks | Direct-to-Device (D2D) • NTN • Space Networking • LEO Satellites • Satellite Broadband • Mobile Networks • Space Infrastructure |
| Related Knowledge Hubs | Space Networking & Orbital Data Centers • AST SpaceMobile • NTN • Direct-to-Device |
AST SpaceMobile Sees August Launch of BlueBird 11, 12, 13
AST SpaceMobile announced plans to launch its next three BlueBird satellites—BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13—from Cape Canaveral during the first ...
AST SpaceMobile Launches BlueBird 8, 9, and 10
AST SpaceMobile announced the successful launch of its BlueBird 8, 9, and 10 satellites aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket ...
AST SpaceMobile Schedules Launch for BlueBird 8, 9, and 10
AST SpaceMobile announced that its BlueBird 8, 9, and 10 satellites are scheduled to launch on June 17, 2026, from ...
AST SpaceMobile Targets 45 Satellites in Orbit for 2026
AST SpaceMobile reported accelerating deployment of its low Earth orbit cellular broadband constellation, with BlueBird 8, 9, and 10 scheduled ...
AST SpaceMobile Targets Mid-June Falcon 9 Launch for Three BlueBirds
AST SpaceMobile outlined plans for a mid-June 2026 launch of three next-generation BlueBird satellites aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, ...
AST SpaceMobile Loses BlueBird 7 After New Glenn Launch Anomaly
AST SpaceMobile reported that its BlueBird 7 satellite will be de-orbited after being placed into a lower-than-planned orbit during the ...
AST SpaceMobile Sets Dec 15 Launch for BlueBird 6
AST SpaceMobile scheduled the launch of BlueBird 6, its first next-generation direct-to-smartphone satellite, for December 15 from the Satish Dhawan ...
Vodafone, AST SpaceMobile Pick Germany for EU Sovereign Direct-to-Mobile Satellite Hub
Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile will build a new EU-focused direct-to-mobile satellite constellation anchored by a Satellite Operations Centre in Germany, ...
stc and AST SpaceMobile Sign 10-Year Deal
AST SpaceMobile and stc group have entered a 10-year commercial agreement to bring direct-to-device satellite broadband connectivity to Saudi Arabia ...
AST SpaceMobile and Verizon Sign Definitive Agreement for Space-Based Cellular Broadband
AST SpaceMobile signed a definitive commercial agreement with Verizon to deliver space-based cellular broadband service across the continental United States ...
Bell and AST SpaceMobile Complete Canada’s First Space-Based 4G Voice and Data Call
Bell and AST SpaceMobile have successfully completed Canada’s first space-based direct-to-cell test using unmodified smartphones. The demonstration, conducted in New ...
AST SpaceMobile Ramps Toward 60 Satellites with Fast Launch Cadence
AST SpaceMobile is advancing its plan to build the first space-based cellular broadband network directly accessible by unmodified smartphones, targeting ...
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