American startup AST SpaceMobile is intensifying the race for satellite internet dominance with the successful launch of its BlueBird 6 satellite. Positioned as the largest commercial satellite in low Earth orbit, this launch marks a significant step in the company’s mission to build a space-based cellular broadband network that connects directly to standard mobile phones.
The BlueBird 6, which launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, is the first of AST SpaceMobile’s next-generation satellites designed to provide 5G data services from space without requiring users to purchase any special hardware.
A New Era of Direct-to-Device Connectivity
The BlueBird 6 satellite is an engineering feat, featuring a giant array that expands to 2,400 square feet (223 square meters) once unfurled in orbit—three times larger than the company’s previous BlueWalker 3 test model. This immense size allows it to support a bandwidth of 10 GHz and deliver speeds of up to 120 Mbps directly to individual handsets.
Since launching its first test satellite in September 2022, AST SpaceMobile has successfully demonstrated its technology’s potential, including conducting the first-ever 5G phone call from space to an unmodified Samsung Galaxy S22. The company plans to launch between 45 and 60 new satellites by the end of 2026 to establish coverage over the United States and other key markets.
Navigating a Crowded Orbit
This expansion places AST SpaceMobile in direct competition with SpaceX’s Starlink, which currently operates a constellation of over 9,000 satellites. While Starlink has a significant head start, AST’s key differentiator is its direct-to-device capability.
The rivalry has already extended beyond the market, with the two companies engaging in formal communications with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding the potential impact of AST’s large satellites on orbital sustainability. As the number of satellites in orbit grows, concerns about space congestion and its effect on nighttime sky visibility are becoming more prominent across the industry.
Implications for the MENA Region
For the MENA startup and tech ecosystem, the advancement of direct-to-device satellite internet presents significant opportunities. This technology could be instrumental in bridging the digital divide in remote and underserved areas across the region, providing reliable connectivity for everything from digital payments to telehealth services.
Furthermore, it opens new avenues for MENA telecom operators to expand their coverage without massive investments in terrestrial infrastructure. The rise of powerful satellite constellations also aligns with the growing space ambitions of countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, potentially paving the way for regional partnerships and the development of new applications in logistics, agriculture, and energy.
About AST SpaceMobile
AST SpaceMobile is a company building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network designed to be accessible directly by standard mobile phones. Its mission is to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s five billion mobile subscribers and bring cellular broadband to the billions who remain unconnected.
Source: Arrajol
