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🛰️ 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 |
Latest reporting
Vodafone Ireland and Ireland’s Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) have completed what the companies describe as Europe’s first demonstration of integrated…
AST SpaceMobile announced plans to launch its next three BlueBird satellites—BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13—from Cape Canaveral during the first half of August, marking…
AST SpaceMobile announced the successful launch of its BlueBird 8, 9, and 10 satellites aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space…
AST SpaceMobile announced that its BlueBird 8, 9, and 10 satellites are scheduled to launch on June 17, 2026, from Cape Canaveral aboard a…
AST SpaceMobile reported accelerating deployment of its low Earth orbit cellular broadband constellation, with BlueBird 8, 9, and 10 scheduled for launch in mid-June…
AST SpaceMobile outlined plans for a mid-June 2026 launch of three next-generation BlueBird satellites aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, maintaining deployment momentum after…
AST SpaceMobile reported that its BlueBird 7 satellite will be de-orbited after being placed into a lower-than-planned orbit during the New Glenn 3 mission.…
AST SpaceMobile scheduled the launch of BlueBird 6, its first next-generation direct-to-smartphone satellite, for December 15 from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in India.…
Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile will build a new EU-focused direct-to-mobile satellite constellation anchored by a Satellite Operations Centre in Germany, positioning the SatCo joint…
AST SpaceMobile and stc group have entered a 10-year commercial agreement to bring direct-to-device satellite broadband connectivity to Saudi Arabia and key markets in…
AST SpaceMobile signed a definitive commercial agreement with Verizon to deliver space-based cellular broadband service across the continental United States beginning in 2026. The…
Bell and AST SpaceMobile have successfully completed Canada’s first space-based direct-to-cell test using unmodified smartphones. The demonstration, conducted in New Brunswick, validated 4G VoLTE…
AST SpaceMobile is advancing its plan to build the first space-based cellular broadband network directly accessible by unmodified smartphones, targeting 45–60 satellites in orbit…
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