# AST SpaceMobile Teams With European Carriers to Pursue Satellite Spectrum

- URL: https://stocks.freetheai.org/news/ast-spacemobile-teams-with-european-carriers-to-pursue-satellite-spectrum-a7416f
- Published: 2026-10-19T17:00:10Z
- Category: company_news; sentiment: bullish; impact: medium
- Symbols: [NASDAQ:ASTS](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/NASDAQ-ASTS), [NASDAQ:VOD](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/NASDAQ-VOD), [NASDAQ:UFO](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/NASDAQ-UFO)
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AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS) has signed an initial agreement to seek European satellite spectrum alongside four prominent wireless operators: Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica, and Vodafone Group Public Limited Company (NASDAQ:VOD). The joint effort seeks to merge direct-to-cell satellite broadband with standard cellular networks, extending reliable connectivity to upwards of 500 million wireless customers across the continent.

To support operations, AST SpaceMobile is constructing ground facilities via Satellite Connect Europe, a local joint venture structured to ensure data processing and system control remain within regional jurisdiction. The underlying architecture can utilize roughly 1,150 MHz of partner low- and mid-band frequencies globally. Combined with existing S-band allocations, this approach expands network capacity, while current satellite tests demonstrate direct-to-phone download rates reaching 98.9 Mbps and future hardware targeting 200 Mbps.

Investors are also monitoring regulatory approvals for the joint bid alongside the company's anticipated November 9, 2026 earnings release. Wall Street estimates suggest a quarterly loss of 41 cents per share on revenue of $46.30 million, improving from a loss of 45 cents per share on $14.74 million in sales from the same period last year.

## Key points

- AST SpaceMobile signed an agreement with Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica, and Vodafone Group to pursue European satellite spectrum.
- The venture aims to deliver direct-to-cell broadband to more than 500 million mobile users across Europe.
- Ground stations will be managed by Satellite Connect Europe to keep data operations under local regulatory jurisdiction.
- The technology pairs partner wireless spectrum with S-band rights, achieving test speeds up to 98.9 Mbps on regular smartphones.

## Questions and answers

### Why are AST SpaceMobile shares rising?

AST SpaceMobile shares gained after announcing an agreement with four major European wireless carriers to jointly pursue mobile satellite spectrum covering 500 million users.

### Which European operators are involved in the agreement?

The collaboration includes Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica, and Vodafone Group.

### What speeds does AST SpaceMobile's network offer?

Current BlueBird satellite tests deliver download speeds up to 98.9 Mbps directly to standard cellular devices, with next-generation models aiming for up to 200 Mbps.