AST SpaceMobile runs a mobile broadband cellular network based in space. Users traveling into and out of areas without terrestrial mobile services on land, at sea, or in the air can use its SpaceMobile service, which offers mobile broadband services. The business’s main office is in Midland, Texas.
MAJOR NEWS! Attempted Downtrend Channel Breakout Alert!
AST SpaceMobile stock is testing a downtrend channelUptrend and downtrend channel patterns are technical analysis tools used to identify potential future price movements. They are formed by two parallel lines on a chart and can be u... breakout on February 15, 2023. The stock is still within a technical weak downtrend but that will be upgraded soon pending confirmation of the downtrend channel breakout.
AST SpaceMobile announces collaboration with Saudi Arabia-based Zain KSA
Zain, a Saudi Arabian telecommunications operator and digital service provider, and AST SpaceMobile announced a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on February 9, 2023. In Riyadh, at the global LEAP 2023 Tech Conference, the signing took place. The MoU would allow AST SpaceMobile and Zain KSA to work together on new telecom solutions and satellite-based digital services in Saudi Arabia and seek to increase access to mobile services in remote locations, including on land, at sea, and in the air.
This is a big win for AST SpaceMobile stock holders as it validates and puts to bed the bears talk of the company hyping impossible technology.
“We are thrilled to cooperate with Zain in Saudia Arabia. We hope this collaboration will further access to reliable, space-based cellular broadband for current and future mobile users in the country,” said Chris Ivory, Chief Commercial Officer of AST SpaceMobile. We are committed to expanding our digital services and communications to deliver an inclusive ecosystem that covers the whole Kingdom with the highest service quality and reliability, thereby enhancing our role in achieving a more connected and sustainable world,” said Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Mufadda, Chief Technology Officer of Zain KSA. “We are confident that our collaboration with AST SpaceMobile, could help to potentially provide space based cellular broadband connectivity in the Kingdom, particularly in remote areas. In doing that, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every citizen and resident in this precious land is connected wherever they may be.”
AST SpaceMobile enters non-binding MoU with TIM
With the intention of expanding cellular connectivity and bringing space-based coverage to Brazil, AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) and TIM (TIMB) announced on February 8, 2023, that they had signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding. The MoU will also support TIM’s testing of AST SpaceMobile’s space-based technologies for 4G voice and data services in Brazil. Subject to a number of factors, including receiving regulatory approval, the first technical tests and initial evaluation of AST SpaceMobile’s proposed solution are anticipated to take place in Brazil’s North and Northeastern regions during the first half of 2023.
Another huge win for AST SpaceMobile stock as big corporations like this would not enter into MoUs with the company if this was just a penny stock scam.
The solution from AST SpaceMobile was created to connect mobile devices to the internet in areas without cell tower coverage and without requiring users to make any changes to their cellular devices’ software, hardware, or pricey add-ons like satellite dishes.
“Space-based cellular broadband is a part of our mission to eliminate connectivity gaps and bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected,” said Chris Ivory, Chief Commercial Officer of AST SpaceMobile. “We’re excited to be working with TIM towards connecting the unconnected in Brazil’s vast and diverse territory.”
AST SpaceMobile, NASA sign joint deal to improve spaceflight safety
On December 15, 2022, AST SpaceMobile announced that its subsidiary, AST & Science LLC, and NASA recently signed an agreement to formalize both organizations’ dedication to maintaining and improving safety in the shared environment of space. The Space Act Agreement formalizes the prompt, detailed, and open sharing of information between AST SpaceMobile and NASA, enabling a deeper level of coordination, cooperation, and data sharing, defining the arrangement, responsibilities, and procedures for flight safety coordination.
“Space is a shared resource that must remain safe and available to all. We are committed to using advanced technologies and best practices to protect this vital resource,” said Raymond Sedwick, Chief Scientist of Space Systems at AST SpaceMobile. “This agreement formalizes a commitment between AST SpaceMobile and NASA to share information and help safeguard low Earth orbit.”
AST SpaceMobile’s Bluewalker 3 on Target to Deliver the First and Only Space-Based Cellular Broadband
On December 13, 2022, AST SpaceMobile, the company building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by standard mobile phones, provides an operational update on the BlueWalker 3 (BW3), Block 1 BlueBird and next-generation BlueBird programs.
Update on BlueWalker 3 on-orbit activities, the largest-ever commercial communications array deployed in low Earth orbit
- Achievements with nominal operations on BW3 satellite over the last 3 months
- Built TT&C (Tracking, Telemetry & Control) network on Earth, with teams monitoring 24/7 BW3 orbit via earth stations in Maryland, Colorado and Australia
- Achieved nominal operations for guidance, navigation and control of BW3 over the last 3 months at an altitude of ~515km and sustained velocity of ~17,000 mph
- Upgraded onboard flight control software to incorporate BW3 on-orbit learnings and control the deployed communications array
- Deployed the 693 square foot communications array, from stowed configuration, in November 2022
- Powered the communications array in preparation for mobile network operator testing
- Tested patented doppler and delay hardware and software solution on the ground with Rakuten Mobile and Nokia baseband technology
- Completed installation of ground network for end-to-end testing in Texas, Hawaii and Japan
- Received test licenses via partner mobile network operators from relevant regulatory bodies in the United States, Japan, Colombia, Kenya, Nigeria, Philippines, and Indonesia in advance of mobile network operator testing
- Updated ground Space Operations Center (SOC) system and processes to support planned low Earth orbit operations
- Transition to testing of direct-to-cell satellite capabilities beginning in Q1 2023, supporting mobile network operator partners to interconnect with BlueWalker 3 and prepare for future commercial service with BlueBird satellites
- Integrate with mobile network operator core networks, including AST SpaceMobile patented doppler and delay system, starting as early as January
- Conduct initial 4G LTE and 5G end-to-end connectivity starting from communications array as early as January
- Report speed test data in coordination with mobile network operator partners
Update on BlueBird programs, targeting launch of first 5 commercial satellites in late 2023
- Confirmation of BW3 mechanical deployment system and system architecture expected to be used for first 5 Block 1 BlueBird satellites
- Confirmation of main BW3 subsystems expected to be used for first 5 Block 1 BlueBird satellites, including guidance, navigation and control system in use on BW3
- Assembly and production lines designed, and equipment ordered and partially installed, with significant flexibility to meet expected 2023 production needs in our 185,000 square foot Texas manufacturing facilities
- Expect to begin initial chip production during 2023 of custom AST 5000 ASIC for future generation, higher capacity BlueBird satellites
VIDEO How AT&T and AST SpaceMobile plan to extend coverage for consumers, businesses & first responders
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between AST Spacemobile vs Starlink?
AST SpaceMobile is developing a network of satellites that will provide mobile broadband connectivity directly to smartphones and other mobile devices, without the need for any additional hardware. This technology could be particularly useful for users in remote or under-served areas, or in situations where traditional network infrastructure is unavailable or unreliable. AST SpaceMobile planned to launch its first 20 satellites in 2022, with a goal of eventually launching a total of 243 satellites.
Starlink, on the other hand, is developing a satellite internet service that will provide high-speed internet to homes and businesses. The service requires users to install a small satellite dish and modem, which connect to Starlink’s network of satellites in low Earth orbit. Starlink has already launched hundreds of satellites and is currently offering beta testing of its service in select areas. The company has plans to continue launching more satellites and expanding its service in the coming years.
In terms of coverage and speed, both AST SpaceMobile and Starlink have the potential to provide global coverage and high-speed internet, though the quality of service and availability may vary depending on a number of factors such as location, network congestion, and weather conditions.
Ultimately, the choice between AST SpaceMobile and Starlink will depend on individual needs and preferences. AST SpaceMobile’s focus on mobile devices and direct connectivity could be appealing for those who need internet access on-the-go, while Starlink’s home internet service may be more suitable for those who need high-speed internet for remote work or other purposes.
Who owns AST SpaceMobile?
However, the company has several key executives and board members who hold significant ownership stakes and play important roles in its management and operations. Abel Avellan is the CEO and founder of AST SpaceMobile, and he also serves as Chairman of the Board. Other key executives include Chief Financial Officer Ian Stone, Chief Technical Officer Hamid Hemmati, and Chief Commercial Officer Mark Rigolle.
In addition to its management team, AST SpaceMobile has several major institutional investors, including New Enterprise Associates (NEA), Rakuten, and American Tower, among others. These investors hold significant ownership stakes in the company and may have a significant influence on its strategic direction and decision-making.
How has ASTS performed historically compared to the market?
Since its IPO, ASTS stock has experienced significant volatility, as is common with many newly public companies. As of February 15, 2023, ASTS has lost over -30% from its IPO price of $10.00 per share. However, it’s important to note that this performance has been highly variable, with the stock experiencing significant ups and downs over this time period.
Comparing ASTS’s performance to the broader market can be challenging, as the company is part of the highly volatile and dynamic technology sector. Over the same time period, the NASDAQ Composite index, which is often used as a benchmark for technology stocks, has lost around -8%.
