AST SpaceMobile just scored its biggest win yet, inking a major partnership with Verizon to beam cellular coverage from space across America. The deal puts AST head-to-head with SpaceX's Starlink service and marks a critical moment in the race to connect every corner of the US through satellites. AST shares surged 15% on the news as investors bet on the company's ability to challenge Elon Musk's space internet dominance.
AST SpaceMobile just reshuffled the satellite communications deck with a game-changing Verizon partnership that could redefine how Americans stay connected in remote areas. The Texas-based company announced its most significant deal to date, integrating its space-based cellular network directly with Verizon's terrestrial infrastructure to deliver coverage where traditional cell towers can't reach.
The partnership leverages Verizon's 850 MHz spectrum to create seamless connectivity between AST's BlueBird satellite constellation and unmodified smartphones. While financial terms weren't disclosed, the deal represents a major escalation in AST's battle against SpaceX's Starlink service, which has already begun rolling out direct-to-cell coverage with T-Mobile.
"This agreement marks our most significant partnership milestone," AST executives said in announcing the deal. The partnership builds on last year's $100 million commitment from Verizon to support AST's service rollout, signaling the telecom giant's serious bet on satellite-cellular convergence.
The timing couldn't be more critical for AST. The company currently has five BlueBird satellites operational in low Earth orbit - its initial "Block 1" constellation designed to provide intermittent coverage across the United States. But the real test comes with Block 2, an ambitious deployment of 45-60 next-generation satellites planned for 2026 that will determine whether AST can scale from proof-of-concept to mass market reality.
SpaceX isn't waiting around. Elon Musk's company recently agreed to acquire $17 billion worth of wireless spectrum from EchoStar, dramatically expanding its direct-to-phone capabilities. The acquisition gives SpaceX a significant spectrum advantage as it races to blanket the globe with satellite connectivity.
Verizon becomes AST's second major carrier partner, following a 10-year agreement with Vodafone that established the company's international footprint. The dual partnerships position AST as a legitimate competitor in what's quickly becoming a two-horse race between established satellite players and telecom incumbents seeking space-based solutions.
