The future of satellite-to-phone service is expanding, with AST SpaceMobile recently receiving a generous investment from the Big Tech and US' big three in telecommunications, Google and AT&T. A total of $206.5 million was given to AST SpaceMobile for its development of the space-based cellular service which it will debut in the future, coming from its low-Earth orbit satellite.
AST SpaceMobile is also known as one of Starlink's competitors and rivals in the industry, with the SpaceX-owned company best known for its partnership with T-Mobile for its tech.
AST SpaceMobile Gets $206M from Google, AT&T
Business Wire
AST SpaceMobile announced their latest funding received from three renowned companies, with newcomers Google and AT&T joining its investors. Alongside existing investor, Vodafone, the Texas-based company received a total of $206.5 million centered on the efforts to grow more of its development of the future satellite-to-phone service, from its solo communications satellite.
With this strategic investment, we are gaining capital, invaluable expertise, and strategic partnership. This investment comes alongside prior investments by other leaders in the wireless ecosystem, including Rakuten, American Tower, and Bell Canada, all of whom are not only part owners of AST SpaceMobile but also serve as our technology partners and customers.
Alongside its new funding, the company announced, via a press release, a new $100 million public offering of its stocks.
Google pledged to help in collaborating with AST SpaceMobile's product development and testing, centering on its implementation on Android. On the other hand, AT&T and Vodafone placed purchase orders for network equipment to support the commercial service soon.
Satellite-to-Phone Service in Development
Last year, Elon Musk's renowned Starlink service from SpaceX unveiled its latest product that it will offer to the public soon, and this is the highly anticipated satellite-to-phone service for all. The company calls this the "Direct to Cell" service, best known to be offered in the United States for T-Mobile subscribers, also announcing its partners for its availability in different countries.
However, it is not the only company looking to deliver this new kind of experience for users.
AST SpaceMobile, a Texas-based firm, also launched the "largest" communication satellite back in 2022, with the company dubbing this as the BlueWalker 3, looking to deliver 5G connections from the cosmic heavens.
The startup also shared that it achieved a milestone last year as it successfully transmitted a 4G signal from space.
The company is looking to expand more of its operations and availability to the world, best known for its focus on satellite-to-phone service that will offer communications and mobile data in the future. Google's massive pledge to help AST SpaceMobile's development of the tech, alongside its investment together with AT&T and Vodafone is now set for the progression of this otherworldly connection.
