UPDATE AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS), based in Midland, TX, announced the successful unfolding of its first five commercial satellites, BlueBirds 1-5, which are now preparing for commercial and U.S. government operations. “These five satellites are the largest commercial communications arrays ever launched in low Earth orbit,” comments Abel Avellan, AST SpaceMobile Founder, Chairman and CEO.
AST SpaceMobile’s technology features large, phased array antennas intended to extend cellular coverage globally. These satellites are designed to eliminate dead zones and deliver space-based cellular broadband connectivity to underserved regions, connecting directly to standard smartphones without the need for specialized equipment.
AST SpaceMobile will target 100 percent nationwide coverage, providing service through more than 5,600 ground plots, called cells, across the U.S. The satellites are beaming premium low-band 850 MHz spectrum that is compatible with current standard smartphones for non-continuous, direct-to-cell phone (D2C) service. The company has strategic partnerships with MNOs including AT&T (NYSE: T), Verizon (NYSE: VZ), and Vodafone (NYSE: VOD).
The company is building 17 second generation satellites that are scheduled to launch in 2025. With larger arrays, Avellan says the Block 2 BlueBird satellites will have 10 times the capacity of its current birds.
AST SpaceMobile competes in the D2C sector with Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Lynk Global, and Starlink and T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS). The FCC recently granted T-Mobile permission to test its service in areas of the U.S. hit by hurricanes, Inside Towers reported.
AST SpaceMobile is featured in ‘Satellites in Wireless Networks’ in the Intelligence 2024 Vol 3 issue.
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