When 5G leader Nokia and many other internet providers, partnered with AST SpaceMobile Inc., two years ago, it was partnerships made in heaven, err, Space.
Besides the tech partnership with Nokia, ASTS has signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with Smart Communications, Africell, MUNI, UT Mobile, LIBTELCO "and others." Those agreements build on the deals the company has already signed with massive network operators like Rakuten, AT&T and Vodafone.
Indeed, AST SpaceMobile said it now counts MOUs with operators collectively servicing 1.5 billion subscribers.
You see, $ASTS has been working on their technology for 5 years, at their facility in Texas, and 25 of the top Scientists and Engineers in the space (excuse the pun) have been working on a Satellite system that will essentially bring 4G and 5G connectivity "directly" to your cell phone, as well as many other tech innovations in IOT, Ai, EV, AV and automation technologies.
Well folks, they finally launched their BlueWalker3 Satellite last Saturday, Sept 10th and it is, as of this writing, in orbit and scientists are talking to the technology.
Over the coming 1 or 2 weeks, all systems will be tested, including the unravelling of the largest space antennae currently in low orbit. It will be powered by the sun and your cellphone will automatically use it's far reaching technology.
ASTS has another 120 units being built for orbit and they will provide this service to the entire globe, connecting people from the Amazon Jungle to the Artic and everywhere in between.
Of, course their are future competitors! For example, Elon Musk just announced a partnership between his Starlink and ATT to use Starlink Satellites for something similar, but "similar" is a broad term.
Starlink is at very least, 2 full years behind the technology used by ASTS, NOK and others and their target is not just one provider in America, but the entire planet.
As you know, first mover advantage in new technologies is "HUGE" and ASTS/NOK has that first mover advantage in spades!
Discl: we've been buying $ASTS, and $NOK stock, hand over fist, for months, for our RetireFund!
Happy Investing!
HP