A forecast of the likely impact of Direct-to-Cellular (D2C) and Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite-based connectivity delivers some strong numbers, and suggests that the 2025-2034 CAGR will be 52.3 per cent and taking the market size to a massive $41.12 billion (€35.6bn) by 2034. The data, from Market.US forecasts that more than half of the market (52.7 […]

World-be global broadband and satellite connectivity operator AST SpaceMobile is preparing for Canadian direct-to-device distribution (D2D) of its signals. AST is already partnering with Bell Canada to conduct successful tests of its space-based cellular network in Canada, including voice, video, and broadband data calls on standard smartphones. This collaboration, confirmed by tests in October, aims […]

A slew of investment banks have come out decidedly in favour of would-be global direct-to-device satellite operator, AST SpaceMobile. For example, analysts at Deutsche Bank are forecasting free cashflow for AST reaching $1.44 billion (€1.24bn) by 2028. The bank has raised its price target to $81 (from $59) and reiterates its ‘Buy’ rating. Bank of […]

AST SpaceMobile’s quarterly trading statement confirmed further delays in launching its satellites. The first of its ‘next-gen’ BlueBird craft (BB6) will now launch during the second week of December (on an Indian rocket) with the second (BB7) being delivered to Cape Canaveral this month with a launch soon after. However, launches are seen as running […]

Satellite operator AST SpaceMobile and giant telco Vodafone are creating a new European satellite constellation that will be headquartered at the Satellite Operations Centre in Germany. The project will deliver direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity and be an alternate to the progress Starlink is making with its D2D scheme. The pair’s ‘SatCo’ says it aims to provide […]

AST SpaceMobile has added Saudi Arabian telco STC Group as its partner for “Space-based Telecom services” over the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) regions. stc (the former Saudi Telecom Company) will pay $175 million (€150.5m) to secure a 10-year distribution contract for AST’s satellite services, starting in Q4 2026. AST signed an MoU with […]

After a considerable delay and much-promised delivery dates, India’s Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has confirmed that AST SpaceMobile’s (AST) FM1 (aka BlueBird 6) will definitely launch during the first week of December. It is quite possible that BlueBird 7 (aka FM2) could also launch in December, although there is considerable uncertainty as to who will […]

AST SpaceMobile is adding to its borrowings, raising $1 billion (€0.86bn) of convertible debt, but using some of its cash to pay off $50 million of existing borrowings. The $1 billion sum is made up of $850 million in new debt, but is giving the lenders the option to increase by $150 million in their […]

Following on from a four-day air-journey on a giant Antonov aircraft ended in being unloaded on October 16th at Chennai airport. The aircraft carried the first of AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird second-generation satellites (FM1). The satellite was then transferred by a simple truck to the Indian ISRO launch site where it will undergo final tests in […]

AST SpaceMobile’s first of its second-generation BlueBird satellites is now on its way to the India rocket launch site at India Space Organisation’s Sriharikota/Satis Dhawan facility. The spaceport is located on an island off the east coast of India, surrounded by Pulicat Lake and the Bay of Bengal. The distance of Sriharikota from Chennai is […]