Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
AXIAN Telecom and AST SpaceMobile have partnered to launch Africa’s first direct-to-device satellite mobile broadband network. Using BlueBird satellites, the service will deliver 4G and 5G connectivity directly to standard smartphones across remote regions, supporting consumers, enterprises, IoT services and emergency communications.
AST SpaceMobile has delayed its satellite launches due to manufacturing and antenna challenges but remains commercially strong, with major deals involving Verizon, STC, and Vodafone. The company has $1B in contracts and may join Europe’s IRIS2 constellation.
AST SpaceMobile and stc Group have signed a $175 million, 10-year deal to deliver direct-to-device satellite mobile connectivity across Saudi Arabia and MENA, extending broadband access to remote areas through hybrid space-terrestrial infrastructure and advancing the region’s digital inclusion goals.
Riyadh — October 31, 2025:
In a landmark move for regional telecommunications, stc group and AST SpaceMobile have announced a 10-year commercial agreement to bring space-based cellular broadband connectivity directly to standard smartphones across Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
AST SpaceMobile and stc Group have signed a $175M, 10-year partnership to deploy direct-to-device satellite broadband across MENA, integrating space-based and terrestrial networks to expand 4G/5G coverage and drive digital inclusion.
stc has signed a 10-year, SAR 7 billion satellite partnership with AST SpaceMobile to deliver direct-to-device connectivity across Saudi Arabia and key MENA markets. The agreement enhances stc’s digital inclusion strategy and expands coverage beyond terrestrial networks.