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The agreement will allow Vodafone to offer space-based cellular broadband in both its home and partner markets
AST SpaceMobile has entered into a long-term commercial agreement with Vodafone to provide global broadband access in underserved areas, enabling users to access broadband services directly through their phones.
Under the agreement, Vodafone will incorporate AST SpaceMobile’s space-based cellular broadband services into its home markets and offer these capabilities to other operators through its ‘Partner Markets’ program.
Vodafone has been a key investor and technology partner for AST SpaceMobile since 2018, contributing to several technological breakthroughs, including the first space-based voice call using an unmodified smartphone in April 2023. Additional successful trials included achieving 4G download speeds exceeding 10 Mbps from space in June 2023 and 5G voice call from space in September 2023
AST SpaceMobile also reached download speeds of over 20 Mbps in later tests.
Vodafone’s first order for the BlueBird gateway is a key step in AST SpaceMobile’s network rollout. The gateway will connect AST SpaceMobile’s satellites to Vodafone’s existing network, providing broadband access to users outside of traditional coverage areas.
AST SpaceMobile currently has five of its first generation of BlueBird satellites in low Earth orbit, Thess satellites currently provide coverage across the US and in ‘select global markets’The next-generation BlueBird satellites – 17 of which are currently being built – will have larger antennas, providing much higher capacity and speeds. These new satellites are expected to reach data speeds of up to 120 Mbps, supporting services like voice, data, and video.
AST SpaceMobile’s growth in 2024 has been supported by investments from AT&T, Verizon, Google, and Vodafone, as well as new contracts with the US government. The company now has agreements with over 45 mobile operators worldwide, reaching about 2.8 billion subscribers. Key partners include AT&T, Verizon, Rakuten Mobile, Orange, and MTN.
Major investors like American Tower, Cisneros Group, and Bell Canada also support AST SpaceMobile.
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