AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) moved into the spotlight after announcing network integration testing across multiple European countries, partnering with major telecom operators to advance its space-based cellular broadband ambitions.
Testing is currently underway in the U.K., Ireland, Romania, France, the Czech Republic, Germany, Spain, and Ukraine, covering a broad swath of the European market.
The program involves mobile operators including Vodafone, Orange, Telefónica, Deutsche Telekom, and Vodafone Ukraine, representing a significant coalition of regional telecom players.
AST SpaceMobile’s testing is designed to integrate its satellite network with existing terrestrial mobile networks using standard smartphones without any external hardware modifications.
The rollout is supported by Satellite Connect Europe, a joint venture between AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone that is building carrier-neutral ground infrastructure across the region.
The European push follows the successful launch of BlueBird satellites 11, 12, and 13 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on Wednesday, adding to the company’s growing constellation.
Three more satellites are already being prepared for launch, with production continuing through satellite 42 at the company’s Texas facility.
CEO Abel Avellan said the latest launch represents steady progress toward building a scalable space-based cellular network, with beta services expected to begin later this year.
Several brokerages, including Scotiabank and Clear Street, have upgraded ASTS in recent weeks, arguing that share-price weakness was driven by launch delays rather than softer underlying demand.
ASTS shares have declined more than 15% over the past month, though the stock was up around 1.6% on Thursday and heading for its biggest weekly gains in five weeks.
AST SpaceMobile is currently working with nearly 60 mobile network operators serving more than three billion subscribers worldwide, including AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, and Rakuten.
Retail sentiment surrounding ASTS on Stocktwits remained in “extremely bullish” territory over the past 24 hours, amid “high” message volumes, reflecting strong grassroots investor enthusiasm.
One user said the market is yet to realize ASTS’ monopoly in the 5G non-terrestrial networks space, highlighting the long-term opportunity many retail investors believe the company represents.
Another user said the next big catalyst will be turning network testing into commercial service, underscoring what investors see as the critical transition ahead for the satellite broadband firm.
