Verizon and AST SpaceMobile Ink $100M Deal for Satellite Phone Service

Verizon has signed a $100 million deal with AST SpaceMobile to enhance mobile coverage by connecting AST's satellite network to mobile phones using the 850 MHz band. This partnership aims to provide 100% coverage of the continental U.S. and follows AST's recent agreements with AT&T, Google, and Vodafone. AST SpaceMobile has demonstrated the first 5G connection between an unmodified smartphone and a satellite, promising improved connectivity for voice and video calls in areas lacking terrestrial cell towers.