AST SpaceMobile backs 500 million-subscriber European initiative

• AST SpaceMobile welcomed a letter of intent signed by Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone to explore a joint bid for European mobile satellite spectrum.
• The initiative supports AST SpaceMobile's European connectivity strategy, addressing a market of more than 500 million mobile subscribers, although no new contract value was disclosed.
• AST SpaceMobile plans to use its BlueBird satellites and European-operated ground infrastructure to support direct-to-smartphone broadband, subject to regulatory authorizations and commercial arrangements.

AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ:ASTS) welcomed a spectrum collaboration involving four European telecom operators, supporting its satellite connectivity strategy across a market exceeding 500 million subscribers.

Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone signed a letter of intent to explore a joint Mobile Satellite Services spectrum bid, without committing to an award or deployment.

“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,” said AST SpaceMobile Chief Commercial Officer Wayne Thorsen.

AST's Satellite Connect Europe venture provides European-operated ground infrastructure, while its BlueBird satellites have demonstrated 98.9 Mbps downloads and next-generation designs target approximately 200 Mbps.

The company expects the initiative to support European network integration and coverage expansion, although its post-announcement share-price reaction remains unverified.

AST's satellite technology supports standard smartphones and can operate across approximately 1,150 MHz of partner spectrum, alongside its S-band priority rights.

AST previously established Satellite Connect Europe with Vodafone and expanded its collaboration with Orange in March 2026 to explore direct-to-device connectivity across European markets.