Riyadh — October 30, 2025: AST SpaceMobile has announced a landmark partnership with stc Group, Saudi Arabia’s leading digital enabler, to deliver space-based telecom services across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The 10-year distribution agreement, valued at $175 million (€150.5 million), marks AST’s first regional partnership and represents a major leap toward universal mobile broadband coverage.
Expanding Connectivity Beyond Terrestrial Limits
Under the agreement, AST SpaceMobile will integrate its space-based cellular broadband with stc’s terrestrial infrastructure, enabling seamless 4G and 5G connectivity directly to standard mobile phones — with no need for additional software or specialized devices.
The partnership will cover Saudi Arabia, with exclusive rights across North Africa — including Libya, Syria, Lebanon, Djibouti, Tunisia, and Sudan — and preferential terms in Kuwait, Oman, Yemen, Bahrain, Jordan, Iraq, Algeria, Morocco, and Egypt.
This initiative aims to bridge connectivity gaps in remote and underserved areas, providing reliable, high-speed mobile broadband to millions of people, and supporting economic growth, education, and digital inclusion.
Key Infrastructure Investments in Saudi Arabia
To enable operations, AST SpaceMobile will establish:
- Three ground gateways in Saudi Arabia
- A Network Operations Center (NOC) in Riyadh
These facilities will ensure optimal performance, reliability, and scalability across the region, serving both consumer and enterprise markets, as well as government sectors seeking mission-critical connectivity solutions.
Leadership Commentary
Abel Avellan, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of AST SpaceMobile, stated:
“stc group’s regional leadership and commitment to innovation, combined with our pioneering space-based network, will create a paradigm shift in how people connect. This partnership delivers on our promise of truly universal mobile broadband coverage, bridging the digital divide and empowering millions with reliable and easy-to-use connectivity.”
Olayan Alwetaid, CEO of stc Group, added:
“By expanding coverage with the latest telecommunications technologies, stc and AST SpaceMobile are ensuring that no one is left out of the digital future. This partnership strengthens our leadership in digital infrastructure and underscores our mission to provide world-class connectivity to everyone, everywhere.”
Transforming Regional Connectivity
This collaboration positions stc Group as the first operator in the region to adopt direct-to-device (D2D) satellite broadband, advancing its strategy to expand digital access, invest in next-generation infrastructure, and shape the future of global connectivity.
By leveraging AST SpaceMobile’s advanced satellite technology, stc is extending its reach far beyond the limits of terrestrial networks — reinforcing its role as a regional leader in digital innovation and inclusion.
