AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) and Vodafone Group Plc (LSE: VOD) have finalized a long-term commercial agreement extending through 2034. The collaboration enables Vodafone to provide space-based cellular broadband connectivity in its primary markets and through its Partner Markets program, leveraging AST SpaceMobile’s satellite technology. The deal aims to expand broadband coverage to areas without traditional cellular infrastructure, supporting both commercial and government applications.
Vodafone, a three-time investor in AST SpaceMobile since 2018, has played a critical role in advancing the company’s direct-to-device technology. AST SpaceMobile achieved several milestones in 2023, including the first space-based 2G, 4G, and 5G voice calls using unmodified smartphones and delivering download speeds exceeding 20 Mbps. The agreement includes Vodafone’s first Block 1 BlueBird gateway order, a key infrastructure component connecting AST SpaceMobile’s low Earth orbit satellites to Vodafone’s terrestrial network.
Looking ahead, AST SpaceMobile plans to deploy its advanced Block 2 BlueBird satellites, equipped with 2,400-square-foot (223-square-meter) communications arrays, capable of delivering up to 120 Mbps peak data speeds. With investments from AT&T, Verizon, Google, and Vodafone, and contracts with the U.S. government, AST SpaceMobile now collaborates with over 45 global mobile network operators, collectively serving nearly 2.8 billion subscribers.
• AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone sign a 10-year commercial agreement through 2034.
• Vodafone to offer space-based broadband through home and Partner Markets.
• Vodafone orders first Block 1 BlueBird gateway for satellite connectivity.
• AST SpaceMobile’s Block 2 BlueBird satellites will deliver up to 120 Mbps peak speeds.
• AST SpaceMobile has agreements with 45+ global mobile operators covering 2.8 billion subscribers.
“With this agreement, we are advancing our shared goal to bring space-based broadband to regions where traditional connectivity is not available,” said AST SpaceMobile CEO Abel Avellan.”
