AST SpaceMobile, a space-based cellular broadband network provider, has signed a long-term commercial agreement with the UK's Vodafone Group (Vodafone). This deal, extending through 2034, aims to expand global broadband connectivity by leveraging AST SpaceMobile's satellite network. "This agreement establishes the framework for Vodafone to offer space-based cellular broadband connectivity in its home markets, as well as to other operators via its Partner Markets program," AST SpaceMobile said in a statement on December 9.
Also Read: Verizon and AST SpaceMobile Partner to Eliminate Cellular Dead Zones in US
Vodafone's Role in AST SpaceMobile
Vodafone, a longtime investor and technology partner of AST SpaceMobile, will use the space-based network to enhance cellular coverage in underserved areas. The partnership includes the deployment of Vodafone's first Block 1 BlueBird gateway, which will connect smartphones directly to AST SpaceMobile's low Earth orbit satellites.
Key Milestones Achieved
AST SpaceMobile has claimed several world-firsts, including space-based voice calls and 4G/5G connectivity to unmodified phones. The next-generation Block 2 BlueBird satellites are designed to provide speeds of up to 120 Mbps, supporting voice, data, and video applications.
Also Read: AST SpaceMobile Completes First Space-Based Voice Call
Since 2018, Vodafone has been a three-time investor in AST SpaceMobile. According to the official release, in April 2023, AST SpaceMobile and its partners completed the first space-based voice call to an unmodified phone. This was followed by 4G download speeds above 10 Mbps in June 2023 and the first 5G voice call in September 2023. Later, AST SpaceMobile and its partners demonstrated download speeds of over 20 Mbps to unmodified phones on a 5 MHz channel.
Vodafone's Order for Gateway
"Vodafone has placed an order for its first Block 1 BlueBird gateway, marking a milestone in the deployment of AST SpaceMobile's global network infrastructure," the companies said.
Users outside traditional cellular coverage will be able to connect their everyday smartphones directly to AST SpaceMobile's satellites in low Earth orbit, which will then route the data to the gateway. These gateways will connect to Vodafone's existing network infrastructure to route the broadband data to users' devices, as well as to access third-party apps and the internet.
Next-Generation BlueBird Satellites
AST SpaceMobile says the next-generation Block 2 BlueBird satellites, featuring up to 2,400 square feet of communications arrays, are designed to deliver up to 10 times the bandwidth capacity of the BlueBird satellites currently in orbit, enabling peak data transmission speeds of up to 120 Mbps, supporting voice, full data, and video applications.
Also Read: AST SpaceMobile Achieves Download Speeds Above 10 Mbps During Testing in Hawaii
Strategic Partnerships and Investments
During 2024, AST SpaceMobile announced that it had secured additional investments from AT&T, Verizon, Google, and Vodafone, along with new contract awards from the United States Government, both directly and through prime contractors.
The company has agreements with more than 45 mobile network operators globally, which collectively serve approximately 2.8 billion existing subscribers, including Vodafone Group, AT&T, Verizon, Rakuten Mobile, Bell Canada, Orange, Telefonica, TIM, Saudi Telecom Company, Zain KSA, Etisalat, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, Telkomsel, Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, Millicom, Smartfren, Telecom Argentina, MTN, Telstra, Africell, Liberty Latin America, and others.
AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Google, Rakuten, American Tower, Cisneros Group, and Bell Canada are also existing investors in AST SpaceMobile, the company said.
