In Focus: AST SpaceMobile
AST SpaceMobile Acquires Global S-Band Spectrum
AST SpaceMobile announced an agreement to acquire global S-Band spectrum priority rights under the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), strengthening its ability to deliver direct-to-smartphone cellular broadband from space. The $64.5 million transaction, paid in a mix of cash and stock, gives AST SpaceMobile access to Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) frequencies between 1980-2010 MHz and 2170-2200…
Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile Establish SatCo Headquarters in Luxembourg
Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile have selected Luxembourg as the headquarters for their newly formed joint venture, SatCo, which aims to deliver space-based mobile broadband services across Europe. The joint venture will provide wholesale, direct-to-device satellite connectivity to mobile network operators in 21 EU member states and beyond, with initial commercial services targeted for 2026. SatCo…
Japan’s Rakuten Mobile and AST SpaceMobile Demo LEO Sat Call
Rakuten Mobile and AST SpaceMobile announced the successful completion of Japan’s first satellite-to-smartphone broadband video call using unmodified smartphones and a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite. The test, conducted in April 2025, demonstrated real-time communication between Tokyo and Fukushima using AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird Block 1 satellite and Rakuten Mobile’s ground infrastructure, with no special hardware…
AST SpaceMobile Secures FCC Approval for U.S. Testing with AT&T and Verizon
AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) has received Special Temporary Authority (STA) from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to test its space-based cellular broadband network in the United States. This approval allows the company’s first five BlueBird satellites, currently in low Earth orbit, to provide non-continuous mobile broadband service using AT&T and Verizon’s low-band spectrum. The testing…
Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile Achieve Direct-to-Smartphone Space Video Call
Vodafone has achieved a significant milestone by conducting the world’s first space-based video call using standard 4G/5G smartphones. This groundbreaking event was facilitated by AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites, which connect directly to unmodified mobile devices. The call was made by Vodafone engineer Rowan Chesmer from a remote area in mid-Wales to Vodafone Group Chief Executive…
AST SpaceMobile Secures 45 MHz of U.S. Mid-Band Spectrum
AST SpaceMobile announced an agreement for long-term access to up to 45 MHz of lower mid-band spectrum in the United States for direct-to-device satellite applications. This agreement, when finalized, will enhance AST SpaceMobile’s technology and space-based network by pairing existing low-band spectrum plans—which offer superior penetration and coverage characteristics—with access to the largest available block…
AST SpaceMobile Inks 10-Year Space Broadband Deal with Vodafone
AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) and Vodafone Group Plc (LSE: VOD) have finalized a long-term commercial agreement extending through 2034. The collaboration enables Vodafone to provide space-based cellular broadband connectivity in its primary markets and through its Partner Markets program, leveraging AST SpaceMobile’s satellite technology. The deal aims to expand broadband coverage to areas without traditional…
Cadence and AST SpaceMobile Collaborate on Space-Based Cellular Broadband Network
Cadence Design Systems and AST SpaceMobile announced their collaboration to develop the AST5000 ASIC, a custom-designed chip powering AST SpaceMobile’s space-based cellular broadband network. This partnership aims to bridge connectivity gaps globally, enabling everyday smartphones to access broadband directly via satellites. The AST5000 ASIC is a cornerstone of the company’s BlueBird program, designed to achieve…
AST SpaceMobile Signs Blue Origin’s New Glenn Rocket
AST SpaceMobile has chosen Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket to launch its next-generation BlueBird satellites from Cape Canaveral. Scheduled across 2025 and 2026, these launches will deploy approximately 60 Block 2 BlueBird satellites to low Earth orbit, aiming to provide continuous space-based cellular broadband service. AST SpaceMobile’s planned coverage will span high-demand markets, including the…
AST SpaceMobile Takes Major Step with Launch of BlueBird Satellites
SpaceX successfully launched five AST SpaceMobile BlueBird satellites on September 12, 2024, using a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The BlueBird satellites are designed to provide cellular broadband services directly to standard smartphones, aiming to serve both commercial and government sectors. The BlueBird satellites will deliver non-continuous broadband coverage across the…
AST SpaceMobile Preps BlueBird Satellites for Launch
AST SpaceMobile is preparing to launch its first five commercial satellites, known as BlueBirds, from Cape Canaveral, Florida, in September. These satellites, which feature the largest-ever commercial communications arrays in low Earth orbit, are designed to deliver cellular broadband connectivity directly to everyday smartphones for both commercial and government applications. The BlueBirds offer a tenfold…
AST SpaceMobile readies its first 5 commercial “Bluebird” satellites
AST SpaceMobile has completed its first five commercial satellites, known as Bluebirds. Each satellite is equipped with communications arrays measuring 693 square feet (64.4 square meters) and is set for shipment to Cape Canaveral in early August, with a launch window scheduled for September. These satellites are designed to provide U.S. nationwide non-continuous service, leveraging…
AST SpaceMobile appoints AT&T exec to its board
AST SpaceMobile has appointed Chris Sambar to its Board of Directors. Sambar, currently AT&T’s Head of Network, brings extensive experience in network infrastructure and global markets to AST SpaceMobile as the company prepares to launch its first commercial satellites this summer. His appointment comes at a crucial time for the company, which aims to provide…