: AT&T, Google, and Vodafone invest $155 million in AST SpaceMobile

Direct-to-cell satellite firm AST SpaceMobile this week announced a $155 million strategic investment from AT&T, Google, and Vodafone along with aggregate new financing of up to $206.5 million. This investment is to support  the commercial roll-out of AST SpaceMobile’s network and is comprised of a mix of equity-linked capital and non-dilutive commercial payments. 

Chris Sambar, EVP, head of network, AT&T, said, “Through our work with AST SpaceMobile, we’ve already proven the possibilities that satellite has to offer in helping connect more people via text, voice, and video. We’re excited to deepen our relationship with this investment as we continue to drive a first-of-its-kind innovation forward and work together to achieve this shared vision of space-based connectivity for consumers, businesses, and first responders all around the globe.”

Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group chief executive, added, “Vodafone’s investment and collaboration with AST SpaceMobile will help make our mobile connectivity services available everywhere for our customers across Europe and Africa. Customers in remote rural areas, on land or out at sea, will be able to benefit from fast and reliable 5G broadband directly to their existing smartphones without the need for specialist equipment.”