AST SpaceMobile, Inc., the organization developing the first and only space-based cellular broadband network that can be accessed directly by regular smartphones, intended for both commercial and government uses, announced today the expansion of its efforts in partnership with major mobile network operators to boost space-based cellular broadband connectivity throughout Europe.
Network integration testing activities are progressing and taking place across the United Kingdom, Ireland, Romania, France, the Czech Republic, Germany, Spain, and Ukraine in partnership with Vodafone, Orange, Telefónica, Deutsche Telekom, and Vodafone Ukraine, utilizing the European-wide gateway infrastructure implemented by Satellite Connect Europe, pending regulatory approvals.
The custom programs aim to expedite the seamless incorporation of AST SpaceMobile's space-oriented cellular broadband service with current terrestrial mobile networks utilizing standard, unaltered smartphones.
The European initiative leverages AST SpaceMobile's increasing commercial success globally as the firm progresses with the rollout of its BlueBird satellite network and collaborates with almost 60 mobile network operators worldwide, accounting for more than 3 billion current subscribers.
The integration testing initiatives mark a crucial advancement toward commercial launch as AST SpaceMobile broadens its presence in Europe, supported by the carrier-neutral gateway framework of Satellite Connect Europe. This joint venture, based in Luxembourg between AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone, is designed to offer ground infrastructure operated in Europe and direct-to-device connectivity with open access for mobile network providers throughout Europe.
The companies are working together to speed up the implementation of satellite-based cellular broadband to expand coverage beyond terrestrial mobile networks, closing coverage gaps and improving network reliability for public safety communications, emergency response, and connectivity for consumers, businesses, and government users.
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Chris Ivory, Chief Commercial Officer of AST SpaceMobile says, “Working alongside many of the world’s leading mobile network operators, we are advancing activities across multiple countries to become a seamless complementary layer of connectivity alongside existing terrestrial networks. Together, we are building a future where everyday smartphones remain connected in more places, providing a layer of resilient connectivity for consumers, businesses, first responders, and governments.”
AST SpaceMobile's satellite technology, supported by around 3,900 existing and pending patents, aims to deliver broadband connectivity straight to conventional mobile devices without the need for specific hardware, software, or applications. The company's solution allows operators to expand their coverage area by integrating with current mobile networks using standard 3GPP technologies while preserving control over the customer relationship.
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Showcasing the largest phased arrays ever installed in low Earth orbit, covering around 2,400 square feet - 223 square meters - AST SpaceMobile's cellular broadband network is capable of connecting directly to standard smartphones, removing the requirement for specialized devices.
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The next-generation satellites aim to offer almost double the peak data speeds compared to the company's original Block 1 BlueBird satellites, which recently reached maximum download speeds of 98.9 Mbps directly to regular smartphones, enabling voice, broadband data, and video services from space for individuals, businesses, first responders, and governments globally.