Google, AT&T, and Vodafone have announced their investment in AST SpaceMobile, a company that develops satellite to mobile wave technology for direct usage on 2G, 4G LTE, and 5G mobile phones worldwide.
AST successfully tested its satellite in 2023, with mobile phones capable of directly downloading data at a bandwidth of 14Mbps, and it is expected to be able to expand the bandwidth up to 120Mbps. AT&T and Vodafone, as the mobile network providers, have started ordering equipment to prepare for future service provision.
This investment involves a somewhat complex approach, with $110 million as convertible notes, which can be converted into shares, and a 5.5% interest rate loan. AT&T has committed to purchasing products worth $20 million once actual services can be launched, while Vodafone has agreed to buy an additional $25 million worth of products.
The main satellite of AST SpaceMobile is called BlueWalker 3, which is a large-sized satellite with solar panels covering an area of up to 693 square feet. However, complaints have been raised that its brightness is interfering with astronomers.
TLDR: Google, AT&T, and Vodafone are investing in AST SpaceMobile, a company developing satellite communication technology for direct usage on mobile phones worldwide. The successful satellite test in 2023 demonstrated download speeds of up to 14Mbps, expected to increase to 120Mbps. AT&T and Vodafone are preparing to offer the service. The investment involves convertible notes and loans. The main satellite, BlueWalker 3, has large solar panels but has raised concerns among astronomers due to its brightness.
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