AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS) is pushing deeper into the European market, welcoming a Letter of Intent signed by four major mobile network operator partners to explore a joint bid for Mobile Satellite Services spectrum.
Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica, and Vodafone are the four operators involved, representing a combined subscriber base of more than 500 million mobile users across Europe.
The collaboration is expected to accelerate network integration, improve the customer experience, and extend coverage into areas that currently lack reliable mobile connectivity.
The initiative also supports a coordinated approach to spectrum access and service deployment, which AST SpaceMobile says will strengthen European digital data sovereignty.
Wayne Thorsen, Chief Commercial Officer of AST SpaceMobile, commented directly on the significance of the partnership and its goals for the continent.
“Europe’s mobile network operators are taking an important step toward extending connectivity to every subscriber, wherever they live, work and travel,” Thorsen said.
“Our role is to support our partners with the satellite technology, spectrum capabilities and ground infrastructure needed to deliver cellular broadband directly to the phones people already use,” he added.
Thorsen described the broader ambition as building “a third layer of connectivity that expands coverage and strengthens the resilience of Europe’s mobile networks.”
AST SpaceMobile’s European joint venture, Satellite Connect Europe, is providing dedicated ground infrastructure that links its BlueBird satellites directly with mobile operators’ core networks across the region.
The BlueBird satellites are described as the largest communication satellites ever deployed in low Earth orbit, backed by 3,900 patent and patent pending claims from the company.
AST SpaceMobile has demonstrated peak download speeds of 98.9 Mbps, with next-generation satellites expected to deliver peak data rates approaching 200 Mbps.
The company’s satellite technology is capable of tuning across approximately 1,150 MHz of mobile network operator partners’ low- and mid-band spectrum globally, adding flexibility for European deployments.
Combined with AST SpaceMobile’s S-band priority rights, this approach allows the company to merge participating operators’ spectrum with satellite spectrum to support expanded coverage and capacity, subject to applicable authorizations.
Mobile operators involved in the partnership will retain their existing customer relationships as satellite connectivity works to extend the reach of their terrestrial networks.
The Midland, Texas-based company says its technology is designed to support voice, video, and broadband services for consumers, businesses, first responders, and government users alike.
