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Investing.com -- AST SpaceMobile Inc (NASDAQ:ASTS) stock surged 6.3% following the announcement of a strategic partnership with Vodafone (NASDAQ:VOD) Idea (Vi), one of India’s leading telecom service providers, to expand mobile connectivity across India’s unconnected regions.
The partnership aims to combine Vi’s national network with AST SpaceMobile’s space-based cellular technology, which connects directly to standard smartphones without requiring specialized software or device modifications. This collaboration puts AST SpaceMobile in position to access India’s massive telecom market of over 1.1 billion mobile subscribers.
Under the agreement, AST SpaceMobile will develop, manufacture, and manage the satellite constellation, while Vi will oversee terrestrial network integration, operating spectrum, and market access. The companies will work together on the SpaceMobile Satellite System designed to expand Vi’s telecom services by providing voice, video, data streaming, and internet access in challenging terrains where traditional mobile infrastructure is difficult to deploy.
The partnership comes after AST SpaceMobile recently made history by completing the first-ever voice and video calls from space using a standard mobile phone, demonstrating the real-world viability of its technology.
"We are not just expanding coverage; we are breaking down barriers to connectivity, enabling everyday smartphones to access 4G and 5G directly from space," said Chris Ivory, Chief Commercial Officer at AST SpaceMobile.
The companies will also collaborate on developing commercial offerings for various sectors, including consumer, enterprise, and IoT applications, positioning India at the forefront of global space tech innovation.
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