Starlink Competitor, AST SpaceMobile, Blasts Off as Satellite Launch Proposal Ignites Stock Gains
The Cold War may be over, but the space race is heating up again — this time for mobile connectivity. AST SpaceMobile has emerged as a formidable challenger to Elon Musk’s Starlink. soared more than 50% last week after announcing its maiden commercial satellite launch set for September. The Texas-based company has partnered with AT&T and Verizon, aiming to beam cellular service from low-orbit satellites.
- UBS analysts foresee “a meaningful revenue ramp in 2026” — buoyed by “initial US regulatory approval, the imminent launch of its first commercial satellites, and partner/funding progress.”
- Despite burning through $72.6M in Q2, plans to launch 17 more satellites with 120 Mbps data speeds by early 2025.
Not enough space for both of us: The satellite-to-phone industry is already getting crowded, and AST SpaceMobile’s partners aren’t afraid to get dirty. AT&T and Verizon filed FCC complaints against Musk’s Starlink, a T-Mobile partner — urging the agency to restrict network usage, arguing that a requested power increase “would cause unacceptable harmful interference” to land-based networks. However, this competition benefits everyone — eliminating cellular dead zones and bringing broadband access to billions.
