AST SpaceMobile Shares Surge 55% on Partnership With Verizon

29 พ.ค.

AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) shares have surged more than 50% on Wednesday, reaching their highest level since November 2022. The satellite communication company announced a new direct-to-cellular tie-up with Verizon Communications, which allows it to target 100% coverage of the continental United States from space on premium 850 MHz cellular spectrum. Verizon is committing $100 million to the partnership. Earlier this month, AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) and AT&T announced a deal to deliver space-based broadband network direct to cell phones.

The latest partnership deal "will enhance cellular connectivity in the United States, essentially eliminating dead zones and empowering remote areas of the country with space-based connectivity," said Abel Avellan, founder, chairman, and CEO of AST SpaceMobile (ASTS). AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) has also received financial backing from AT&T, Alphabet-owned Google (GOOGL.O), and Vodafone Group (VOD.L).

Verizon is getting another satellite partner as it ups its efforts to blanket the US with coverage. On Wednesday, AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) announced that it has reached a "strategic partnership" with Verizon that includes a $100 million commitment from the carrier. The deal will enable it to "target 100% coverage of the continental United States on premium 850MHz spectrum" with the partnership "essentially eliminating dead zones and empowering remote areas of the country with space-based connectivity."

Space-based connectivity has become an increasing focus area for wireless companies as they look to fill in gaps in their coverage that traditional, land-based cell towers can't cover. In addition to AST SpaceMobile's work with AT&T, Verizon was previously discussing satellite connectivity with Amazon's Project Kuiper and T-Mobile has announced a similar deal with SpaceX's Starlink.

Both AT&T and T-Mobile have similarly talked about how users won't need to upgrade their devices to be able to connect to the satellites, though no carrier has specified if they will need to pay more for the feature or be on special plans to use the space-based connectivity.

AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) has already demonstrated test calls from space using a Galaxy S22 and AT&T's network and plans to deliver its first five commercial satellites to the launch pad in July or August of this year, with plans to begin its initial operations at some point in 2025.

Technical Outlook
AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) stock is up 55.6% as of the time of writing. AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) stock has a Relative Strength Index (RSI) of 83.77 which is largely overbought. Traders ought to be cautious of a trend reversal in the short term. The daily price chart depicts a long "Bullish Harami" candle stick pattern.