AST SpaceMobile

Rakuten Mobile and AST SpaceMobile completed Japanโ€™s first satellite video call using unmodified smartphones in April 2025. This test marks a major advancement toward Rakutenโ€™s Saikyo Satellite Service, set to launch in 2026, which will expand mobile coverage across remote and disaster-prone regions using ASTโ€™s LEO satellite network.
In Episode 222 of The G2 on 5G, analysts Will Townsend and Anshel Sag cover T-Mobileโ€™s 6G equipment testing, Googleโ€™s mid-range Pixel 9a, Vodafoneโ€™s 200M IoT milestone, the GSAโ€™s RedCap group, AT&T’s satellite trials for FirstNet, and MediaTekโ€™s powerful new chipsets for phones and Chromebooks.
Satellite-mobile convergence is rapidly shifting from niche to mainstream, enabling global mobile coverage through Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN). With direct-to-device (D2D) standards now supported by 3GPP Releases 17โ€“19, traditional mobile phones can connect directly to satellites. This development has unlocked use cases in emergency response, smart agriculture, logistics, and IoTโ€”paving the way for a future where 6G, edge AI, and multi-orbit architectures redefine connectivity. Learn how telecoms, enterprises, and regulators are navigating the path to a fully connected planet.
MATRIXX Software introduces dynamic billing support for satellite and non-terrestrial network (NTN) services, enabling telecom operators to expand coverage, monetize emerging LEO partnerships, and unify revenue management. The platform supports flexible commercial models, powering growth in underserved regions and across consumer, enterprise, and wholesale markets.
Vodafone has completed the world’s first satellite-based video call using a standard 4G or 5G smartphoneโ€”no special hardware required. This milestone, achieved with AST SpaceMobile, demonstrates the power of direct-to-smartphone satellite connectivity. By 2026, Vodafone plans to roll out this service commercially across Europe, bridging mobile coverage gaps in rural and remote regions. Learn how this technology is set to redefine mobile broadband and global communication.
Apple is set to invest $1.1 billion in expanding satellite connectivity for iPhones through Globalstar, aiming to develop a new satellite constellation that enhances emergency services and connects users in remote locations. This expansion, including new satellites and infrastructure, highlights Appleโ€™s commitment to uninterrupted mobile services, even in cellular dead zones.
AST SpaceMobile, the innovator of space-based cellular broadband, has been awarded an initial contract with the U.S. Space Development Agency under the HALO program. This agreement opens doors for AST SpaceMobile to demonstrate its space-based communication technology in government applications, enhancing both national security and commercial connectivity.
In this episode of the 5G Guys podcast, hosts Wayne Smith and Dan McVaugh delve into the world of satellite connectivity with Tarun Gupta, co-founder of Skylo Technologies. Learn how Skylo is pioneering 5G and satellite integration to enhance IoT, SMS, and voice services globally. Discover the advantages of their standards-based approach and how it differentiates from other satellite services like Starlink and AST SpaceMobile.
In this episode, Will Townsend and Anshel Sag discuss AT&T’s formal agreement with AST Space Mobile, T-Mobileโ€™s innovative 5G deployment at the PGA Championship, Dish Networkโ€™s significant DoD deal, Germanyโ€™s potential ban on Huawei and ZTE equipment, China Mobileโ€™s substantial AI investment, and the upcoming AI advancements from Microsoft Build that could revolutionize 5G PCs. Tune in for expert insights on the latest in 5G technology and its transformative impact on the industry.
AT&T and AST SpaceMobile have announced a commercial agreement to enhance mobile connectivity via a satellite-based broadband network. The partnership, extending to 2030, aims to integrate satellite technology with AT&Tโ€™s existing network, improving access in remote and rural areas. Upcoming satellite launches this summer will kickstart commercial services, providing broader coverage across the U.S.

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