All AST SpaceMobile articles
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Network & InfrastructureSpaceMobile’s BlueWalker 3 nears launch
Vodafone partner AST SpaceMobile sets date for LEO satellite launch.
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Partnerships & Alliances
SpaceMobile stays flexible as final testing nears
New funding deal with B Riley provides cash assurance as investment builds ahead of commercial launch.
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Network & Infrastructure
Inmarsat CEO highlights risks from unmanaged space expansion
Rajeev Suri calls for a common approach to protect the space environment. Inmarsat and Viasat agree undertakings with the UK government to smooth merger progress.
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Partnerships & Alliances
SpaceMobile lures Orange with Vodafone template
Evolving cellular broadband provider now claims association with 1.8 billion mobile accesses as commercial plans progress. FY21 results see $80m more cash spent by SpaceMobile, but with $322m still at hand to fuel 2023 first phase launch. Management assures supply chain and satellite slots secure despite global upheaval.
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Partnerships & Alliances
SpaceMobile steps up commercialisation plans
Confirmation of multi‑launch agreement demonstrates building momentum for space‑based cellular connectivity solution, despite earlier prototype delays. Satellite operators jostling for launch spots as Russian rockets are frozen out in response to Ukraine invasion. Partner and investor Vodafone set to offer seamless SpaceMobile integration, with Group CTO framing the technology ...
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Vodafone Group: operator boasts iSIM first
‘G’s’ need a rethink, suggests Group network architecture point man Tenorio; Vodafone tests iSIM with Qualcomm, Samsung, and Thales.
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Digital Edition
Vodafonewatch Report #202 – December 2021
Key stories include: Read laments “vulnerable” Europe | Nova boost for Tech 2025 | TPG shuffles leadership team | Portugal finally gets 5G | Spacemobile primed for 2022 trials
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Network & Infrastructure
SpaceMobile confirms slippage on BlueWalker 3 launch
Deployment of prototype satellite rescheduled for next summer. SpaceX-supported launch is precursor to integration and testing programme with Vodafone and other partner MNOs.
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Partnerships & Alliances
SpaceMobile lines up 2022 trials with Vodacom
Chairman Abel Avellan says six‑month interconnection and testing programme will follow launch of BlueWalker 3 prototype. Lift‑off of giant spacecraft may see slight slippage. US startup adds more MNO partners to go‑to‑market ahead of 2023 debut.
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Partnerships & Alliances
Vodacom in talks over rural wireless alliance
Operator scoping out partners to share investment in thousands of extra sites across its sub-Saharan African footprint. Venture adds to wider technology and business model experimentation by Vodacom, to fund network expansion.
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Network & Infrastructure
Starlink a potential suitor in Vodafone’s 28GHz lease deal
Vodafone in conversation with satellite operators to lease 28GHz spectrum in the UK. Elon Musk’s Starlink touted as an option
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Venturing & Investments
Vodafone ups investment in collaboration player VOSS
Group contributes to new funding round by long‑time unified comms services partner. Rare sign of activity at Group’s startup investment unit Vodafone Ventures. VOSS bidding for growth following pandemic shake‑up to business collaboration.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Vodafone Partner Markets: MTS acquires Factorin
Developments from around Vodafone’s softpower network. MTS acquires control of Factorin. SoftBank continues satellite broadband endeavours. Musical chairs at Tele2.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Vodafone Associates & JVs: Indus tidies IT up
Indus tidies IT up; India becomes potential early target for Vodafone’s sat venture with AST.
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Network & Infrastructure
Vodacom starts TowerCo separation sequence
Operator looking to install managing executive, and then fuller leadership team, to drive tower separation plans outlined in May. Plan to explore stake sale reiterated. Initial focus on biggest market South Africa.
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Strategy & Change
SpaceMobile targets satellite status quo
AST SpaceMobile’s satellite tech represents break from past, says CEO. US space venture posts first results update since going public, as high-profile, iconoclastic startup edges closer to commercial get-go. Vodafone lends helping hand in satellite‑to-cell compatibility tests. FCC opens gateway to domestic market.
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Strategy & Change
New Ethiopian OpCo sticks with Safaricom marque
New business formally named. ECA grants operator full operating licence, effective from 9 July. Ethiopia seen as early target for Vodafone’s satellite venture with AST.
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Digital Edition
Vodafonewatch Report #197 – June 2021
Key stories include: Board review concludes ”refresh” needed | VPC scores with promoter turnaround | Vodafone Egypt set to be rehoused | Benelux merger ’not on agenda’ | Vodacom to centralise IT and network assets
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Vodafone Partner Markets: Altice rolls into BT
MTS surfs tower spin‑out wave; SoftBank boosted by digital shift and gets strategic with LEO satellite venture OneWeb.
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Operations
AST SpaceMobile sets up UK arm
High-profile US startup establishing tech team in Leicester space hub. Move eases collaboration with Vodafone ahead of joint launch in Africa.
