Page 93 - SAMENA Trends - Jan-Mar 2024

SATELLITE UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

AST SpaceMobile Attracts Investments from AT&T, Google and Vodafone

AST SpaceMobile has attracted significant investments totaling that enables broadband connectivity directly to unmodified
$206.5 million from industry giants AT&T, Google, and Vodafone. cellular devices, adhering to today’s cellular standards. In 2023,
The investment includes $155 million as a strategic infusion AST SpaceMobile achieved several historic technical milestones
and an additional $51.5 million to be drawn from the company’s in space-based cellular communications – including 2G, 4G LTE,
existing senior-secured credit facility. This latest investment round and 5G calls – demonstrating download speeds of 14 Mbps per 5
underscores confidence in AST SpaceMobile’s technology and Mhz channels directly to everyday smartphones. With agreements
its position in the emerging space-based cellular direct-to-device with over 40 mobile network operators globally, servicing over two
market. The company aims to provide connectivity to the 5.5 billion subscribers collectively, AST SpaceMobile’s technology
billion cellular devices worldwide when they are out of traditional aims to eliminate cellular connectivity gaps globally. Chris Sambar,
coverage. Abel Avellan, Chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile, Executive Vice President, Head of Network, AT&T, said: “Through our
commented: “Our vision has always been to collaborate with the work with AST SpaceMobile, we’ve already proven the possibilities
world’s leading wireless companies. This investment signifies that satellite has to offer in helping connect more people via text,
tremendous confidence in our ability to ensure the future of voice and video. “We’re excited to deepen our relationship with this
cellular is borderless.” AST SpaceMobile currently operates the investment as we continue to drive a first-of-its-kind innovation
largest commercial communications array in low Earth orbit, the forward and work together to achieve this shared vision of space-
BlueWalker 3 satellite. The company has patented technology based connectivity for consumers, businesses and first responders
all around the globe.” The strategic investment includes $110
million in 10-year subordinated convertible notes, a $20 million
revenue commitment from AT&T, and a $25 million minimum
revenue commitment from Vodafone. In addition to the investment,
Vodafone and AT&T have placed purchase orders for network
equipment, while Google and AST SpaceMobile will collaborate
on product development, testing, and implementation plans for
SpaceMobile network connectivity on Android and related devices.
Margherita Della Valle, CEO of Vodafone, commented: “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.”

Es’hailSat and Viasat Energy Services Announce MENA VSAT Deal

Qatar-based communications satellite the VSAT services. Es’hailSat says its Services, part of global communications
operator Es’hailSat has joined forces with robust data services and expansive teleport company Viasat, provides optimized
managed services network infrastructure infrastructure spanning over 50,000 square industry solutions and secure
group Viasat Energy Services to provide meters provide a strong foundation for communications infrastructure, and assists
high-speed VSAT services across the Viasat Energy Services to enhance its industrial companies in achieving the
Middle East and North Africa (MENA) capabilities and serve customers across business value of digital transformation by
region. Satellite Today reports that, through the MENA region. The deal follows an initial ensuring seamless connectivity across
a new capacity deal, Viasat Energy Services agreement between the two companies in diverse operations and remote locations. It
is securing capacity on multiple 2023. This collaboration targets a number was formed In 2021 when, RigNet, a secure
transponders on the Es’hail-1 satellite of industries requiring reliable high-speed managed networking solutions and
located at the 25.5 degrees East hotspot. It connectivity in remote and challenging specialized applications developer, merged
will also use teleport services from environments including government, its capabilities with Viasat.
Es’hailSat’s facility in Doha, Qatar to provide maritime, and oil & gas. Viasat Energy

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