AST SpaceMobile lands key Verizon deal amid growing competition with SpaceX and T-Mobile

AST SpaceMobile has secured a major new partnership with Verizon to deliver space-based cellular broadband across the United States, marking its most significant deal to date in the emerging satellite-to-cellular market. Verizon will integrate AST’s satellite network with its existing terrestrial infrastructure, utilizing Verizon’s 850 MHz spectrum to extend coverage in remote areas lacking traditional cell towers. This agreement builds on a prior $100 million commitment from Verizon made last year to support AST’s service rollout. Verizon becomes the second major carrier to partner with AST, following a 10-year deal with Vodafone. The deal comes as AST races to deploy its BlueBird satellite constellation, designed to connect directly with unmodified cell phones. The company has launched its initial five “Block 1” satellites into low Earth orbit, providing intermittent U.S. coverage, and is preparing to deploy 45-60 “Block 2” satellites by 2026. AST has demonstrated 4G and 5G connectivity, including voice and video calls, but faces