AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone have announced plans to expand services for direct connection of mobile devices to satellites (D2D) in Europe. It will be a direct challenge to Elon Musk's Starlink.
A new joint project between AST and Vodafone:
- AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone plan to create a European joint venture to accelerate the commercialization of satellite communications.
- The goal is to provide 100% geographical coverage of Europe, providing internet access, messaging and video calling in areas without mobile coverage.
- The agreement between the companies will be valid until 2034 year and involves the use of Vodafone infrastructure and AST satellite antennas.
Global reach and technology benefits:
- AST has partnership agreements with 50 mobile operators around the world, covering almost 3 billions of users.
- Vodafone serves over 340 million subscribers in Europe and Africa.
- The technology will allow connecting standard 4G and 5G smartphones without the need for modifications.
Large-scale expansion of the AST satellite fleet:
- AST has significantly increased satellite production:
- Over 40 satellites “Block 2” BlueBird are in production.
- The total number of ordered satellites will increase to 60 in the period 2025-2026 years.
- Launch contracts have been extended, to quickly put new satellites into orbit.
- Financial reserve of AST on 31 December 2024 year made $567,5 A million.
Source: https://spacenews.com/ast-spacemobile-charts-another-path-for-european-space-sovereignty/