$AST SpaceMobile, Inc.(ASTS)$ 

AST SpaceMobile Acquires Crucial US Spectrum, Targeting 120 Mbps Speeds to Smartphones:

AST SpaceMobile has announced a significant agreement to enhance its space-based cellular broadband network. Here's a summary of the key points:

Spectrum Acquisition: AST SpaceMobile has secured long-term access (80+ years) to up to 45 MHz of lower mid-band spectrum in the US, adding to its existing 850 MHz nationwide low-band network plans. This is the largest available block of high-quality nationwide spectrum in the US. This agreement comes through a Restructuring Support Agreement with Ligado Networks.

Increased Data Speeds: Combining the low-band and mid-band spectrum, AST SpaceMobile aims to deliver peak data transmission speeds of up to 120 Mbps directly to everyday smartphones.

Transaction Details with Ligado:

Ligado will receive approximately 4.7 million penny warrants convertible into AST SpaceMobile Class A shares (subject to a 12-month lock-up).

Upon closing, Ligado will receive $550 million. AST SpaceMobile has secured a $550 million institutional financing commitment (non-recourse senior-secured delayed-draw term loan facility) to finance a special-purpose vehicle (SPV) for this payment.

AST SpaceMobile will pay approximately $80 million annually for spectrum usage rights and provide Ligado with long-term net revenue sharing rights.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and the satisfactory conclusion of Ligado’s restructuring. Definitive documentation is expected in the first half of 2025.

Satellite Technology: AST SpaceMobile has launched five commercial BlueBird satellites, each with approximately 700 square-foot communications arrays. Next-generation Block 2 BlueBirds will have up to 2,400 square-foot arrays, offering up to 10 times the bandwidth capacity and enabling the 120 Mbps speeds. These initial satellites aim for approximately 100% nationwide coverage from space with over 5,600 coverage cells in the US.

Partners and Investors: AST SpaceMobile has agreements with over 45 mobile network operators globally, representing approximately 2.8 billion subscribers. Key partners and investors include Vodafone Group, AT&T, Verizon, Rakuten Mobile, Bell Canada, Orange, Telefonica, TIM, Saudi Telecom Company, Zain KSA, Etisalat, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, Telkomsel, Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, Millicom, Smartfren, Telecom Argentina, MTN, Telstra, Africell, Liberty Latin America, Google, American Tower, and Cisneros Group.

In essence, AST SpaceMobile is significantly expanding its capabilities by acquiring more spectrum, which will allow for faster data speeds and better coverage for its direct-to-device satellite service. They have solidified this with a major agreement with Ligado, backed by substantial financing.

@TigerWire @TigerEvents @Tiger_comments @TIGER BROKERS 

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