AST SpaceMobile aims to get 500 million customers by teaming up with European phone companies.

Oct 19, 2026, 1:03 PM ETDealRead the original at Benzinga

Good for ASTS

AST SpaceMobile's carrier letter could open satellite service to more than 500 million subscribers, and its phones reached 98.9 Mbps. The bid is only exploratory, needs approvals, and the next report is still expected to show a loss.

ASTS · AST SpaceMobile, Inc.

AI read · Good for ASTS

The AI's read

That gives AST SpaceMobile a possible way to reach a very large group of mobile users. Its direct-to-phone service has reached 98.9 Mbps, and newer satellites are expected to approach 200 Mbps. But the carriers have only agreed to explore a bid, and regulators must approve any spectrum use. The next report is expected to show a loss, despite estimated sales rising from $14.74 million to $46.30 million. Analyst views are split, which tempers confidence but does not erase the possible business opportunity.

VOD · Vodafone Group

AI read · Neutral

The connection

Vodafone joined an effort to explore a European spectrum bid with AST SpaceMobile. No bid award, customer commitment, or direct business gain is reported, so the story does not change Vodafone's outlook.

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