AST SpaceMobile is a company that is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space. Their goal is to provide uninterrupted coverage across the globe, especially in areas with no or poor connectivity, by allowing existing, unmodified smartphones to connect directly to their satellites.
They do this by using ultra-powerful satellites that operate in low Earth orbit, and that have large antennas that can communicate with standard mobile devices on the ground. Their satellites also use advanced beamforming technology to create thousands of beams that can dynamically adjust to the demand and location of the users.
Their technology is designed to work seamlessly with the existing terrestrial networks of their partner mobile operators, such as Vodafone, Rakuten, Samsung, and others. Their partner operators will be able to offer their customers access to the SpaceMobile network as an additional service, without requiring any hardware or software changes on the user’s phone.
In summary:
• AST’s customer is the MNO
• AST implements revenue share model with MNO
• Supports cellular services at 2G/4G LTE/5G speeds for any MNO
• A space-based cell tower company that always partners with nationally licensed MNOs to extend their existing terrestrial infrastructure
• Fill coverage gaps; connect the unconnected, reduce the digital divide, and deliver affordable cellular broadband to 100% of the population and 100% geographic coverage
• MNO uses their already licensed spectrum in a self-interference management process
• End users purchase the service from the MNO partner
• National MNOs continue to hold all domestic national regulatory responsibilities for mobile services