AT&T Strikes Space Broadband Deal in Challenge to Musk’s SpaceX
- Deal with satellite company AST SpaceMobile runs through 2030
- Telecoms are racing to build out space-based wireless networks
Customers at an AT&T store in Daly City, California.
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AT&T Inc. and satellite provider AST SpaceMobile Inc. are teaming up to provide wireless service from space — a challenge to Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which struck a similar deal two years ago with T-Mobile US Inc. AST SpaceMobile jumped in extended trading on the news.
AT&T and AST SpaceMobile formalized the partnership following an earlier testing period, the companies said Wednesday in a statement. They said their agreement to build a space-based broadband network will run through 2030. AT&T head of network Chris Sambar will join the AST SpaceMobile board, deepening a relationship that dates back to at least 2018.