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Broadcast Pro
4 days ago
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
AST SpaceMobile demos first tactical NTN connectivity on mobile phones
AST SpaceMobile is working with Fairwinds Technologies for program integration and military tactical network support for defense uses. AST SpaceMobile has announced the demonstration of the worlds first Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) tactical satellite communications delivering high-throughput data, voice, and video using unmodified mobile devices in collaboration with Fairwinds Technologies (a privately held company). The field test showcased key defence-related use cases, including real-time connectivity to the Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) over a VPN, multimedia streaming via TAK, and secure multi-party video calls, all executed on standard, unmodified smartphones. This milestone demonstration was conducted near AST SpaceMobiles gateway facility on Oahu, Hawaii, with active participation from US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), including representation from the US Navy, Marine Corps, Army, US Space Command, and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defence for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E) FutureG team. AST SpaceMobile collaborated with Fairwinds Technologies on this demonstration. Fairwinds is a trusted partner providing programme integration and military tactical network support as AST SpaceMobile explores direct-to-device satellite communications for US government and defence applications. This effort follows the recent award by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to the Fairwinds/AST SpaceMobile team under the Hybrid Space Architecture 2 initiative within DIUs Space Portfolio. The project is jointly supported by DIUs Cyber & Telecom Portfolio and aims to evaluate the viability of space-based direct-to-device communications for resilient, secure tactical networks in denied or austere environments. Chris Ivory, Chief Commercial and Government Business Officer at AST SpaceMobile, said: 'This demonstration represents a significant leap forward in advancing resilient, secure communications capabilities for the U.S. defense community. We are proud to help enable a new layer of mobile connectivitydirectly from space to standard smartphones, with no need for specialized equipment, in support of national security objectives.' Timothy Hillner, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Fairwinds Technologies, added: 'This is just the beginning. Were honored to collaborate with AST SpaceMobile and the Defense Innovation Unit to deliver next-generation communications at the tactical edge – precisely where and when theyre needed most. Together, were enabling the future of command and control.' This was the first in a series of planned prototype demonstrations to evaluate space-based mobile broadband for defense applications, with additional testing, including over open ocean environments, planned in the coming months as the team continues to push the boundaries of multi-domain, space-based tactical communications.
Business Wire
7 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
AST SpaceMobile & Fairwinds Technologies Demonstrate World's First Tactical NTN Connectivity Over Standard Mobile Devices
MIDLAND, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AST SpaceMobile, Inc. ('AST SpaceMobile') (NASDAQ: ASTS) the company building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by everyday smartphones, designed for both commercial and government applications, today announced the successful demonstration of the world's first Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) tactical satellite communications delivering high-throughput data, voice, and video using unmodified mobile devices in collaboration with Fairwinds Technologies (a privately held company). The field test showcased key defense-related use cases, including real-time connectivity to the Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) over a VPN, multimedia streaming via TAK, and secure multi-party video calls, all executed on standard, unmodified smartphones. This milestone demonstration was conducted near AST SpaceMobile's gateway facility on Oahu, Hawaii, with active participation from U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), including representation from the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Army, U.S. Space Command, and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E) FutureG team. AST SpaceMobile collaborated with Fairwinds Technologies on this demonstration. Fairwinds is a trusted partner providing program integration and military tactical network support as AST SpaceMobile explores direct-to-device satellite communications for U.S. government and defense applications. This effort follows the recent award by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to the Fairwinds/AST SpaceMobile team under the Hybrid Space Architecture 2 initiative within DIU's Space Portfolio. The project is jointly supported by DIU's Cyber & Telecom Portfolio and aims to evaluate the viability of space-based direct-to-device communications for resilient, secure tactical networks in denied or austere environments. 'This demonstration represents a significant leap forward in advancing resilient, secure communications capabilities for the U.S. defense community,' said Chris Ivory, Chief Commercial and Government Business Officer at AST SpaceMobile. 'We are proud to help enable a new layer of mobile connectivity—directly from space to standard smartphones, with no need for specialized equipment, in support of national security objectives.' 'This is just the beginning,' said Timothy Hillner, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Fairwinds Technologies. 'We're honored to collaborate with AST SpaceMobile and the Defense Innovation Unit to deliver next-generation communications at the tactical edge - precisely where and when they're needed most. Together, we're enabling the future of command and control.' This was the first in a series of planned prototype demonstrations to evaluate space-based mobile broadband for defense applications, with additional testing, including over open ocean environments, planned in the coming months as the team continues to push the boundaries of multi-domain, space-based tactical communications. About AST SpaceMobile AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio, and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today's five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected. For more information, follow AST SpaceMobile on YouTube, X (Formerly Twitter), LinkedIn and Facebook. Watch this video for an overview of the SpaceMobile mission. About Fairwinds Technologies Fairwinds designs and integrates communications, networking and IT solutions to serve defense and civilian agencies around the world. Fairwinds strives to meet critical needs, by combining innovative products with specialized services, no matter the mission. Fairwinds is a small business, founded in 2016. For more information, please visit our website at Forward-Looking Statements This communication contains 'forward-looking statements' that are not historical facts, and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results of AST SpaceMobile to differ materially from those expected and projected. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the words 'believes,' 'estimates,' 'anticipates,' 'expects,' 'intends,' 'plans,' 'may,' 'will,' 'would,' 'potential,' 'projects,' 'predicts,' 'continue,' or 'should,' or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Most of these factors are outside AST SpaceMobile's control and are difficult to predict. Factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (i) expectations regarding AST SpaceMobile's strategies and future financial performance, including AST's future business plans or objectives, expected functionality of the SpaceMobile Service, anticipated timing of the launch of the Block 2 BlueBird satellites, anticipated demand and acceptance of mobile satellite services, prospective performance and commercial opportunities and competitors, the timing of obtaining regulatory approvals, ability to finance its research and development activities, commercial partnership acquisition and retention, products and services, pricing, marketing plans, operating expenses, market trends, revenues, liquidity, cash flows and uses of cash, capital expenditures, and AST SpaceMobile's ability to invest in growth initiatives; (ii) the negotiation of definitive agreements with mobile network operators relating to the SpaceMobile Service that would supersede preliminary agreements and memoranda of understanding and the ability to enter into commercial agreements with other parties or government entities; (iii) the ability of AST SpaceMobile to grow and manage growth profitably and retain its key employees and AST SpaceMobile's responses to actions of its competitors and its ability to effectively compete; (iv) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (v) the possibility that AST SpaceMobile may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; (vi) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against AST SpaceMobile; and (vii) other risks and uncertainties indicated in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including those in the Risk Factors section of AST SpaceMobile's Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 3, 2025. AST SpaceMobile cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. AST SpaceMobile cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. For information identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the Risk Factors in AST SpaceMobile's Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 3, 2025. AST SpaceMobile's securities filings can be accessed on the EDGAR section of the SEC's website at Except as expressly required by applicable securities law, AST SpaceMobile disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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Business Standard
19-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Vodafone Idea share price rises 2% on inking pact with AST SpaceMobile
Vodafone Idea shares surged following the announcement of a strategic partnership with AST SpaceMobile Inc. aimed at expanding mobile connectivity across India's most remote & unconnected regions. SI Reporter New Delhi Vodafone Idea share price: Vodafone Idea (Vi) shares were buzzing in trade on Thursday, June 19, 2025, with the stock rising up to 2.43 per cent to hit an intraday high of ₹6.72 per share. At 9:36 AM, Vodafone Idea share price was trading 0.30 per cent higher at ₹6.58 per share. In comparison, BSE Sensex was trading flat with a positive bias at 81,457 levels. What sparked the up move in Vodafone Idea share price today? Vodafone Idea shares surged today following the announcement of a strategic partnership with AST SpaceMobile Inc. aimed at expanding mobile connectivity across India's most remote and unconnected regions. 'AST SpaceMobile made history by placing the first ever voice and video call from space using a standard mobile phone, a milestone that demonstrates the real world viability of its advanced technology,' Vodafone Idea highlighted, in a statement. India, home to over 1.1 billion mobile subscribers, remains one of the most dynamic telecom markets globally. While 4G is widespread and 5G is growing, large parts of the country still struggle with mobile access due to challenging terrains. Satellite communication is expected to play a crucial complementary role in bridging these coverage gaps. "India, with its vast and dynamic telecom market, is the ideal place to demonstrate how our space-based cellular broadband can seamlessly complement terrestrial networks," said Chris Ivory, chief commercial officer, AST SpaceMobile. The partnership will integrate Vi's national mobile network with AST SpaceMobile's space-based cellular broadband, which connects directly to everyday smartphones—without requiring any additional software, device changes, or updates. "Vi has always been committed to leveraging technology to connect every Indian and we see satellite communication as a complement to terrestrial connectivity. As satellite-based mobile access becomes a reality in India, we are looking forward to ushering in a new era of seamless and resilient connectivity," said Avneesh Khosla, Chief Marketing Officer, Vi. ALSO READ | Aligned with the goals of the Digital India initiative, the collaboration will focus on the design, deployment, and launch of a satellite-based broadband system. AST SpaceMobile will develop and manage the satellite constellation, while Vodafone Idea will oversee terrestrial network integration, spectrum operations, and market access. Ivory added, "We are not just expanding coverage; we are breaking down barriers to connectivity, enabling everyday smartphones to access 4G and 5G directly from space. Together with Vodafone Idea, we are excited to unlock new possibilities for emergency response, disaster management, agriculture, remote learning, and countless other applications that will benefit from truly ubiquitous mobile broadband." The collaboration is set to position India at the forefront of global space tech innovation, while also enabling Vi and AST SpaceMobile to develop commercial solutions across consumer, enterprise, and IoT sectors. About Vodafone Idea Vodafone Idea Limited is among the leading telecom service providers in India, formed through a partnership between the Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Group. With a robust spectrum portfolio—including mid-band 5G spectrum in 17 circles and mmWave spectrum in 16 circles—Vodafone Idea is committed to meeting the growing demand for mobile connectivity. technologies, offering innovative solutions for both retail and enterprise customers.
The Print
18-06-2025
- Business
- The Print
Vodafone partners with SpaceX rival AST SpaceMobile for satcom service on smartphones
'Vi (Vodafone Idea) and AST SpaceMobile Inc…announced a strategic partnership to expand mobile connectivity across India's unconnected regions. AST SpaceMobile made history by placing the first-ever voice and video call from space using a standard mobile phone, a milestone that demonstrates the real-world viability of its advanced technology,' the statement said. AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by smartphones, designed for both commercial and government applications, Vodafone Idea said in a statement. New Delhi, Jun 18 (PTI) Debt-ridden telecom operator Vodafone Idea on Wednesday announced a partnership with Elon Musk-owned SpaceX rival satcom firm AST SpaceMobile for delivering satellite service on smartphones directly. Vodafone Idea's promoter firm Vodafone Plc has already signed a pact with AST SpaceMobile. During 2024, AST SpaceMobile has secured additional strategic investment from AT&T, Verizon, Google and Vodafone, and new contract awards with the United States Government, directly and through prime contractors. The company has agreements with more than 45 mobile network operators globally, 'This partnership will bring together Vi's robust national network with AST SpaceMobile's revolutionary space-based cellular technology, which connects directly to everyday smartphones without the need of any specialised software or device support or updates,' the statement said. Vi said that it will collaborate with AST SpaceMobile on the SpaceMobile Satellite System. 'This space-based cellular broadband ecosystem will be designed to expand Vi's telecom services of terrestrial connectivity, providing voice, video, data streaming, and internet access. It will encompass the design, implementation, and launch of this system, wherein AST SpaceMobile will develop, manufacture, and manage the satellite constellation, and Vi will oversee terrestrial network integration, operating spectrum, and market access,' the statement said. 'India, with its vast and dynamic telecom market, is the ideal place to demonstrate how our space-based cellular broadband can seamlessly complement terrestrial networks. We are not just expanding coverage; we are breaking down barriers to connectivity, enabling everyday smartphones to access 4G and 5G directly from space,' AST SpaceMobile Chief Commercial Officer Chris Ivory said. Vi and AST SpaceMobile will also collaborate to develop commercial offerings for diverse sectors, including consumer, enterprise and IoT, the statement said. Musk-owned SpaceX is also working on similar technology to provide satellite service directly on smartphones. Starlink, is a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, has already signed pacts with Ambani's Reliance Jio and Mittal's Bharti Airtel, which together control more than 70 per cent of the country's telecom market, to bring the US satellite internet giant's services to India. Earlier in the month, Starlink has received a licence from the telecom department for providing satellite internet services in India. PTI PRS DR This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
The Print
18-06-2025
- Business
- The Print
Vodafone Idea partners SpaceX-rival AST SpaceMobile for satcom service on smartphones
'Vi (Vodafone Idea) and AST SpaceMobile Inc…announced a strategic partnership to expand mobile connectivity across India's unconnected regions. AST SpaceMobile made history by placing the first-ever voice and video call from space using a standard mobile phone, a milestone that demonstrates the real-world viability of its advanced technology,' the statement said. AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by smartphones, designed for both commercial and government applications, Vodafone Idea said in a statement. New Delhi, Jun 18 (PTI) Debt-ridden telecom operator Vodafone Idea on Wednesday announced a partnership with satcom firm AST SpaceMobile, a rival of Elon Musk-owned SpaceX, for delivering satellite service on smartphones directly. Vi did not disclose the date for the launch of the service. When asked about the partnership and service launch date, a Vi spokesperson said that the company will 'inform about material developments in due course of time'. Vodafone Idea's promoter firm Vodafone Plc has already signed a pact with AST SpaceMobile. In April 2023, AST SpaceMobile claimed to have completed the first-ever space-based voice call to an unmodified phone along with its partner. The space tech firm has claimed to have delivered the first-ever 4G download speed above 10 Mbps in June 2023 and the first-ever 5G voice call in September 2023. During 2024, AST SpaceMobile secured additional strategic investment from AT&T, Verizon, Google and Vodafone, and new contract awards with the United States Government, directly and through prime contractors. The company has agreements with more than 45 mobile network operators globally, 'This partnership will bring together Vi's robust national network with AST SpaceMobile's revolutionary space-based cellular technology, which connects directly to everyday smartphones without the need of any specialised software or device support or updates,' the statement said. Vi said that it will collaborate with AST SpaceMobile on the SpaceMobile Satellite System. 'This space-based cellular broadband ecosystem will be designed to expand Vi's telecom services of terrestrial connectivity, providing voice, video, data streaming, and internet access. It will encompass the design, implementation, and launch of this system, wherein AST SpaceMobile will develop, manufacture, and manage the satellite constellation, and Vi will oversee terrestrial network integration, operating spectrum, and market access,' the statement said. 'India, with its vast and dynamic telecom market, is the ideal place to demonstrate how our space-based cellular broadband can seamlessly complement terrestrial networks. We are not just expanding coverage; we are breaking down barriers to connectivity, enabling everyday smartphones to access 4G and 5G directly from space,' AST SpaceMobile Chief Commercial Officer Chris Ivory said. Vi and AST SpaceMobile will also collaborate to develop commercial offerings for diverse sectors, including consumer, enterprise and IoT, the statement said. Musk-owned SpaceX is also working on similar technology to provide satellite service directly on smartphones. Starlink, a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, has already signed pacts with Ambani's Reliance Jio and Mittal's Bharti Airtel to bring the US satellite internet giant's services to India. Earlier in the month, Starlink received a licence from the telecom department for providing satellite internet services in India. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has recommended allocation of spectrum for satcom services without auction and through administrative route– a move which has been opposed by telecom operators. The government under the Telecommunications Act 2023 has approved allocation of spectrum for satcom services through administrative routes against a fixed fee for point to point communications only. PTI PRS MR This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
