AST SpaceMobile attracts investments from AT&T, Google and Vodafone

AST SpaceMobile has attracted significant investments totalling $206.5 million from industry giants AT&T, Google, and Vodafone. The investment includes $155 million as a strategic infusion and an additional $51.5 million to be drawn from the company's existing senior-secured credit facility.

This latest investment round underscores confidence in AST SpaceMobile's technology and its position in the emerging space-based cellular direct-to-device market. The company aims to...

19 January 2024 | Hot Topics

AST SpaceMobile achieves space-to-smartphone 5G connection

AST SpaceMobile has successfully established the first-ever 5G connection for both voice and data between a standard smartphone and a satellite in space.

The achievement was demonstrated by AST SpaceMobile's engineers who orchestrated a call from the serene shores of Maui, Hawaii to a Vodafone engineer located in bustling Madrid, Spain.

What makes this achievement truly remarkable is that it was accomplished using an unmodified Samsung Galaxy S22 smartphone, with the...

20 September 2023 | 5G

UK to rejoin EU’s Copernicus and Horizon schemes

In a step forward for European space and scientific collaboration, the UK is set to rejoin the Copernicus and Horizon Europe programs. 

The UK was a major expertise and financial contributor to both programs prior to its decision to leave the EU. The EU blocked an agreement in the Brexit deal for the UK to become an associate member of Horizon over the long-running dispute over the Northern Ireland Protocol.

A resolution to the dispute was reached under the Windsor...

7 September 2023 | Legislation & Government

Viasat completes Inmarsat acquisition

Viasat has successfully completed its acquisition of London-based Inmarsat, just a week after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) dismissed a competition complaint filed by SpaceX.

The significant merger brings together two organisations with complementary technology assets, resources, and capabilities, creating a global communications provider with an expanded portfolio of services.

Mark Dankberg, Chairman and CEO of Viasat, said: 

“We are...

1 June 2023 | Networks

UK announces space infrastructure fund

The UK government is taking significant strides to bolster the country's space sector with the launch of the Space Clusters and Infrastructure Fund (SCIF).

This initiative marks the first dedicated fund for UK space infrastructure and aims to accelerate the development of R&D facilities necessary for making space products mission-ready and commercially viable.

Investment in space R&D infrastructure is crucial for fostering the growth of the UK's space and...

24 May 2023 | Hot Topics

Rogers and Lynk partner to offer complete satellite coverage in Canada

Rogers Communications has partnered with Lynk Global to test and provide satellite-to-phone connectivity across Canada.

The collaboration will ensure that Canadians have wireless connectivity access no matter where they are. The move is aimed at helping Canadians reach 911 using 5G and 4G smartphones in remote regions and rural areas that are not covered by any wireless networks.

Tony Staffieri, President and CEO of Rogers, said:

“From underground transit...

28 April 2023 | Networks

AT&T conducts ‘space-based’ call using a regular smartphone

AT&T has achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting the first-ever two-way audio call using satellites with a standard smartphone.

The call was made from AT&T in Midland, Texas, to mobile carrier Rakuten in Japan on a Samsung Galaxy S22 smartphone using AST SpaceMobile's BlueWalker 3 satellite. 

Abel Avellan, Chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile, commented:

“Achieving what many once considered impossible, we have reached the most...

25 April 2023 | AT&T

OneWeb is ready to rival Starlink after weekend launches

OneWeb successfully launched 36 new satellites over the weekend, marking a key milestone for the UK-based outfit.

The successful deployment and contact of the satellites were confirmed by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) after a launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India.

“NSIL would like to thank OneWeb for believing in our capabilities and giving us this important opportunity to undertake the mission,” said Radhakrishnan D, Chairman-cum-Managing...

28 March 2023 | Hot Topics

Babcock awarded £400M contract to operate military satellites

Babcock and its partners have been awarded a £400 million contract to operate the Skynet military satellite communications system.

Skynet is the UK’s satellite system that enables communications to be sent from anywhere in the world back to the UK and its allies.

Defence Procurement Minister Alex Chalk KC said:

“Space is increasingly important for maintaining battlefield advantage.

The UK’s next-generation military satellite communications...

15 February 2023 | Legislation & Government

UK announces £50M satellite industry boost

The UK Space Agency has announced a £50 million fund to boost the satellite communications industry.

Funding from the initiative will be used for projects including satellite constellations, ground systems, and entirely new end-to-end systems.

Science Minister George Freeman said:

“Developing UK space capabilities and maximising commercial opportunities are key to the National Space Strategy, as part of our plans to become a leading power in space and build...

23 January 2023 | Broadband