Overview

• The agreement targets space-based direct-to-device connectivity across the continental U.S. for Verizon customers beginning in 2026, with financial terms undisclosed.
• Verizon plans to leverage its low-band 850 MHz spectrum through AST’s network to reach areas beyond terrestrial towers, alongside AST’s licensed L- and S-band resources.
• AST currently operates five Block 1 BlueBird satellites and plans 45–60 higher-capacity Block 2 spacecraft for continuous coverage, with BlueBird 6 shipping Oct. 12 for launch and BlueBird 7 headed to Cape Canaveral this month.
• AST SpaceMobile shares rose roughly 8% to nearly 19% on the announcement and are up about 250%–300% year to date, while Verizon’s stock was little changed.
• The deal builds on Verizon’s earlier $100 million support and follows AT&T’s separate agreement, as SpaceX rolls out direct-to-cell with T‑Mobile and pursues a $17 billion spectrum purchase.