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AST SpaceMobile, Inc. is a company engaged in designing and developing a global Cellular Broadband network in space. The company's primary service, known as the SpaceMobile Service, aims to provide cost-effective, high-speed Cellular Broadband services to end-users who are outside terrestrial cellular coverage using existing mobile devices. AST SpaceMobile operates under one segment and does not break down its revenue by product lines or segments, focusing on the development of satellite technology and related services.
- SpaceMobile Service - Provides high-speed Cellular Broadband services directly to everyday smartphones (2G/4G-LTE/5G devices) for both commercial and government applications, utilizing a constellation of high-powered satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
| Name | Position | External Roles | Short Bio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Abel Avellan ExecutiveBoard | Chairman & CEO | Commissioner to the ITU/UNESCO Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development | Founder of ASTS (2017), over 25 years in the space industry, co-inventor of 21 U.S. patents, previously founded Emerging Markets Communications (sold for $550M). | View Report → |
Andrew Johnson Executive | CFO & CLO | None | Joined ASTS in May 2024 as CLO, became CFO in June 2024, previously EVP and CLO at 3D Systems, holds a JD, MBA, and BA. | |
Dr. Huiwen Yao Executive | EVP & CTO | None | Joined ASTS in 2018, over 30 years in satellite communications, holds 25 patents, previously Senior Director at Northrop Grumman. | |
Maya Bernal Executive | Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) | None | Joined ASTS in March 2022, promoted to CAO in June 2024, previously Financial Reporting Director at Bluegreen Vacations, CPA with a Master’s in Accounting. | |
Scott Wisniewski Executive | President & Chief Strategy Officer | None | Joined ASTS in March 2021, instrumental in raising over $600M in capital, previously Managing Director at Barclays, advised ASTS on its 2021 business combination. | |
Shanti Gupta Executive | COO | None | Joined ASTS in September 2021 as CAO, promoted to COO in June 2024, responsible for operational excellence, cost efficiencies, and global scaling. | |
Adriana Cisneros Board | Director | CEO of Cisneros, Board Member at Mattel Inc. | CEO of Cisneros since 2013, extensive experience in media, real estate, and digital advertising, holds degrees from Columbia and NYU, and a leadership certificate from Harvard. | |
Alexander Coleman Board | Director | Chairman of New Providence Acquisition Corp. II, Managing Partner of New Providence Management LLC | Focuses on investing in consumer-related companies, extensive experience in SPACs and private equity. | |
Edward Knapp Board | Director | CTO at American Tower Corporation, Board Member at Center for Automotive Research | Over 40 years in communications technology, previously SVP of Engineering at Qualcomm, holds degrees in engineering and business. | |
Hiroshi Mikitani Board | Director | CEO of Rakuten Group, Vice Chairman of Rakuten Medical, Chairman of Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra | Founder and CEO of Rakuten, extensive leadership in global internet services, biotechnology, and philanthropy, holds degrees from Hitotsubashi University and Harvard Business School. | |
Johan Wibergh Board | Director | Board Member at Trimble Inc., Bell Canada, Arrcus Inc., Marconi, Avanci, and Cohere Technologies | Former CTO of Vodafone, over 35 years in telecommunications, expertise in large-scale networks and technology innovation, holds a Master’s in Computer Science and Engineering from Linkoping University, Sweden. | |
Julio A. Torres Board | Director | Managing Partner at Multiple Equilibria Capital, Board Member at Tecnoglass Inc. | Extensive experience in SPACs and financial advisory, holds degrees from Universidad de los Andes, Kellogg School of Management, and Harvard Kennedy School. | |
Luke Ibbetson Board | Director | Leads Vodafone Group R&D, Chairman of NGMN Alliance Board Strategy Committee | Over 25 years in telecommunications, leads Vodafone's research and trials of emerging technologies, serves on several industry boards. | |
Richard Sarnoff Board | Director | Partner at KKR, Board Member at Chegg Inc. | Leads media, entertainment, and education investments at KKR, serves on several private and public boards, extensive experience in private equity. | |
Ronald Rubin Board | Director | Co-Founder & Managing Director of Tower Alliance, LLC | Extensive experience in wireless infrastructure, previously CFO of Global Tower Partners, CPA with degrees in accounting and taxation. |
- Given that the initial 5 Block 1 satellites are operational but pending FCC approval for beta services, what are the specific risks and contingencies if regulatory approvals are delayed, and how might this impact your planned service rollout timelines?
- With the shift from Block 1 to Block 2 satellites requiring significant capital for production and launch, how do you plan to secure the necessary funding, and what is your strategy if anticipated financing does not materialize as expected?
- Considering the AST5000 ASIC chip is crucial for the enhanced capabilities of your Block 2 satellites but is still in initial validation, what are the potential technical or manufacturing challenges that could arise, and how could they affect your deployment schedule and service capacity?
- While you've secured a definitive agreement with AT&T, progress with other major MNOs seems to be in earlier stages; what obstacles are you facing in finalizing additional commercial agreements, and how could this delay impact your market entry and revenue projections?
- Regarding your government contracts, you've mentioned potential revenues in the hundreds of millions primarily from services over time; can you provide more detail on the steps required to realize these revenues and the competitive factors that might influence your ability to secure long-term government commitments?
Recent press releases and 8-K filings for ASTS.
- AST SpaceMobile, Inc. announced a Settlement Term Sheet providing long-term access for 80+ years to up to 45 MHz of premium lower mid-band spectrum in North America for direct-to-device satellite applications.
- The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware approved the proposed transaction on June 23, 2025.
- The company will pay approximately $550 million for this access, with $535 million directed to Inmarsat. This is supported by a $550 million institutional financing commitment in the form of a non-recourse senior-secured delayed-draw term loan facility.
- Key payment dates to Inmarsat (on Ligado's behalf) include $420 million on October 31, 2025, $100 million on March 31, 2026, and $15 million upon regulatory approval and closing.
- AST SpaceMobile's obligation to begin making spectrum access usage payments to Ligado will commence on September 30, 2025.
- AST SpaceMobile priced a cash repurchase of $225 million principal amount of its 4.25% convertible notes due 2032, which is expected to remove approximately 8.3 million underlying shares and $63.8 million of remaining interest.
- To fund this repurchase, the company will issue 9,450,268 shares of its Class A common stock at $53.22 per share in a registered direct offering to participating note holders.
- These transactions are expected to result in the issuance of approximately 1.04 million incremental shares while reducing $225 million of debt from the balance sheet, leaving $235 million of the 2032 convertible notes outstanding.
- Both the repurchase and the offering are expected to close on or about July 1, 2025, and are cross-conditional.
- Strategic partnership between AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone Idea to extend mobile connectivity in India’s unserved regions via satellite technology.
- AST’s space-based cellular broadband system connects directly to standard smartphones, complementing Vi’s terrestrial 4G and emerging 5G networks.
- AST SpaceMobile is valued at $13.16 billion and has seen its stock surge over 250% in the past year, signaling strong investor confidence.
- Collaboration aims to serve consumer, enterprise, and IoT sectors under India’s Digital India initiative, with AST managing the satellite constellation and Vi handling terrestrial network integration.
- AST SpaceMobile, Inc. and its subsidiaries entered into a definitive Framework Agreement with Ligado Networks LLC and affiliate Spectrum USA I, LLC on March 22, 2025, which establishes long-term access to up to 45 MHz of lower mid-band spectrum to enhance direct-to-device satellite services.
- The agreement outlines significant financial commitments, including a $350 million cash payment and an optional $200 million payment (in cash, convertible notes, or a combination thereof), along with the issuance of approximately 4.7 million warrants at an exercise price of $0.01 per share subject to a 12-month lock-up.
- The transaction is part of a broader restructuring of Ligado amid its Chapter 11 proceedings, with the definitive agreements subject to regulatory approvals and other closing conditions.