AST SpaceMobile is building a direct-to-phone satellite network designed to extend ordinary cellular service into areas where ground-based cell towers do not reach.
For our audience of mobile internet users, the important distinction is that AST is designed to work through mobile carriers, using compatible spectrum from partners such as AT&T and Verizon to connect directly to standard, unmodified smartphones. This makes it different from Starlink and Amazon Leo, two companies focused more on broadband internet service from space.
In practical terms, this means AST is more likely to appear first as a carrier-provided coverage feature for smartphones, rather than as a standalone service provider.
The company’s satellites use very large antennas intended to communicate with regular phones, and AST has received U.S. regulatory approval for a constellation of 248 satellites. AST is currently in its early stages and needs to deploy more satellites to orbit before it can provide reliable service.
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Testing Status
Once AST SpaceMobile is available, we plan to test its service.
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The guides below have been hand-picked to help further your education about mobile satellite:
Mobile Internet Resource Center (dba Two Steps Beyond LLC) is founded by Chris & Cherie of 