AST SpaceMobile Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS) has entered a Memorandum of Understanding to partner with a Philippines-based mobile services provider, Smart Communications.
AST SpaceMobile looking to expand its services to the Philippines
The collaboration will look into ways of extending Spacemobile’s wireless broadband services to the Philippines islands, mainland, and surrounding areas once the service launches.
Able Avellan, AST SpaveMobile CEO and Chairman said, “Our collaboration with Smart to look into opportunities to offer the SpaceMobile service to their customers in rural communities would allow the company to offer affordable broadband cellular access to the unconnected for the first time ever.With this MoU, we have entered into agreements and understandings with mobile network operators which collectively cover approximately 1.4 billion mobile subscriber.”
Following the signing of definitive agreements and the successful introduction of the SpaceMobile service, AST SpaceMobile expects to provide cellular broadband network coverage to around 70 million Smart subscribers under the terms of the MoU.
Smart Communications serves over 71.8 Filipinos.
Smart Communications is a subsidiary of the Philippines’ largest and integrated telecommunication company, PLDT Inc. The company serves around 96% of the population with its wireless network, offering mobile communication and high-speed internet to more than 71.8 million Filipinos. Smart Communication also provides satellite communication services.
Smart Communications President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio said, “This collaboration between Smart and AST SpaceMobile strongly supports this vision, as we continue to invest in our networks and explore the most relevant innovations that will enable us to continue expanding the reach of our services alongside delivering exceptional customer experience across the Philippines’ more than 7,000 islands. This new satellite communications technology aims to help us accomplish our mission of connecting the entire nation, where nobody gets left behind.”