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AST SpaceMobile Moves Forward with Space-Based Cellular Network

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Mar 10, 2022, 2:10 PM by Rich Brome @rbrome.bsky.social

Texas-based AST SpaceMobile has signed a contract with SpaceX for multiple launches to place in orbit satellites that will provide service to standard mobile phones in areas that do not otherwise have coverage. The company has tested its unique technology already, but will launch its first full-scale test satellite — BlueWalker 3 (BW3) — this summer. The contract covers later launches of BlueBird satellites for the production system. AST has agreements with several companies worldwide to potentially use the system, including Vodafone, Rakuten, and American Tower.

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