Would-be global satellite broadband operator AST SpaceMobile has made a satellite modification request to the FCC regarding its operational fleet of satellites. The modification was submitted a month ago by its AST & Science subsidiary and proposes two new 14-satellite shells (98.13° inclination @ 685 km) alongside its already approved 520 km & 690 km […]

Another investment bank has upgraded its views on AST SpaceMobile – which is planning a global direct-to-cellular satellite broadband service. Roth Capital Partners, headquartered in Newport Beach, California, has raised its share price target for AST to $51 (from $42) and citing the 89 per cent rise in AST’s share price since April. Roth rates […]

An intriguing idea been floated around by Defence news expert Larry Ramer, suggesting that Amazon should buy – or make a considerable investment – in AST SpaceMobile. Ramer explained: “In light of the tremendous potential of AST’s technology, I also would not be surprised if AMZN eventually decides to buy AST for as much as […]

AST SpaceMobile’s first launch (FM1) of its second-generation Bluebird broadband satellites has been delayed. July 1st saw AST write to the FCC asking for permission to ship the satellite from its Texas HQ to the Indian launch site and for the FCC to grant an “experimental authority to launch and test” the satellite. AST is […]

Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile have a joint-venture covering AST’s planned ‘direct-to-consumer’ satellite-based cellular service. The pair have chosen Luxembourg as the new company’s headquarters. Mobile operators covering 21 EU member states and other European countries have already expressed an interest in using the service; commercial launches expected from 2026. The planned establishment of the new […]

AST SpaceMobile has received another boost from an investment bank. Bank of America has given a price target of $55. What’s somewhat remarkable is that the Bank has only included conventional commercial activity for its ‘Direct-to-Consumer’ space-based cellular service. The Bank has left out potential revenues from Defence or Government demands, both expected to figure […]

A Delaware bankruptcy court on June 23rd approved the long-term acquisition by AST SpaceMobile (AST) of Ligado’s L-band spectrum over North America. The judge, Thomas Horan, was brief in saying: “I am going to grant the motion today. The motion is granted”. The motion in question was that AST would pay $568 million (€490m) to […]

AST SpaceMobile (AST), which is planning a global satellite broadband system and already has extensive links with Vodafone, has formally confirmed a partnership with Vodafone Idea (Vi). The collaboration will bring D2D satellite broadband connectivity to India, supporting Digital India’s vision of universal mobile access, said AST. India is one of the world’s largest and […]

AST SpaceMobile will pay around $550 million (€474.9m) to Ligado for its L-band spectrum over North America. The news was confirmed late on June 13th. The payment will allow Ligado itself to pay the $535 million it owes to Viasat/Inmarsat. The Viasat payment will then see the end of its objections it has over Ligado’s Chapter […]

Vodafone, now more accurately called VodafoneThree following its £15 billion merger with Three, says it will connect its 27 million customers wherever they are in the UK, and “by this time next year” will use a beta-trial of satellite coverage provided by AST SpaceMobile . “A new era of connectivity has begun,” said Max Taylor, […]