Taiwan Mobile and AST SpaceMobile Sign Low-Earth Orbit Satellite Communication Services Strategic Cooperation Memorandum

(中央社財經訊息服務20260302 17:09:46) Taiwan Mobile announced today that it has signed a "Strategic Cooperation Memorandum for Low Earth Orbit Satellite Communication Services" with AST SpaceMobile, the company building the first space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by everyday smartphones, at MWC (Mobile World Congress). The collaboration will promote the synergistic operation of space-based “space base station” technology and existing mobile networks in Taiwan, accelerate the implementation of an integrated satellite-terrestrial communication architecture, and strengthen ubiquitous connectivity capabilities and communications resilience. AST SpaceMobile has secured strategic investments from global technology leaders including Google and continues to advance operating system and satellite connectivity integration, enabling standard mobile devices to maintain connectivity in areas without terrestrial coverage and helping bridge signal gaps in difficult to reach areas, at sea, and during disasters or emergency situations. The partnership further strengthens Taiwan Mobile’s collaboration with the global technology and telecom ecosystem, underscoring its strategic commitment to advancing integrated satellite-terrestrial communications and nationwide connectivity resilience.

D2C Technology Strengthens Critical Communications Resilience

The collaboration will focus on leveraging AST SpaceMobile’s satellites operating at an altitude of over 500 kilometers to transmit Taiwan Mobile’s cellular signals through Direct-to-Cellular (D2C) technology, enabling standard smartphones to connect directly without requiring any hardware modification or dedicated satellite terminals. This allows users to maintain basic connectivity in areas where terrestrial base station signals are limited or temporarily unavailable, as well as during specific time periods or scenarios when mobile services may be disrupted, including disaster response, emergency situations, and other mission-critical resilience communication scenarios. Compared with traditional satellite communications that require dedicated satellite terminals and large antenna equipment, D2C technology enables consumers to access satellite connectivity directly through their everyday mobile devices, offering greater convenience and cost efficiency.

AST SpaceMobile has garnered significant interest from global tech giants and telecom leaders. The company is building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by everyday smartphones. Its BlueBird satellite constellation employs a large-scale antenna design – at approximately 2,400 square feet, it is the largest phased arrays ever deployed commercially in LEO – to overcome the geographical limitations of traditional terrestrial networks, propelling mobile communications beyond the base station era into a new phase of integrated satellite-terrestrial connectivity.

The company has strategic partnerships with AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rakuten, Google, American Tower, Bell and stc Group to jointly advance the global deployment of satellite mobile communications. It has also signed cooperation agreements with the U.S. Space Development Agency, the U.S. Department of Defense, and Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency to accelerate the global deployment of satellite mobile communications in humanitarian relief, disaster response, and critical infrastructure scenarios. This collaboration not only further connects Taiwan Mobile with the international technology and telecom ecosystem but also demonstrates the company's strategic vision aligned with global trends in satellite-terrestrial integration, laying a crucial foundation for future ubiquitous connectivity and resilient communication scenarios.

Deepening Non-Terrestrial Network Deployment to Strengthen Communication Infrastructure Resilience

Jamie Lin, President of Taiwan Mobile, stated that signing the “Strategic Cooperation Memorandum for Low Earth Orbit Satellite Communication Services” with AST SpaceMobile marks a significant step forward in Taiwan Mobile’s integrated satellite-terrestrial communications strategy. He added that the company will continue advancing its satellite-terrestrial integration roadmap, progressively expanding applications across consumer, enterprise, and emergency response scenarios. Jamie Lin emphasized that Taiwan Mobile has long prioritized delivering on its “Open Possible” promise by creating experiences that empower customers beyond conventional limits. The company continues to invest in frontier technologies while placing strong emphasis on the stability and scalability of mobile connectivity. Given Taiwan’s diverse terrain and frequent exposure to natural disasters, LEO satellite technology can help support communications in remote mountainous areas and facilitate the transmission of emergency information, while strengthening the resilience of terrestrial networks to ensure customers can access the communication services they need anytime, anywhere.

Scott Wisniewski, President of AST SpaceMobile said: “Taiwan is taking a forward-looking approach to communications resilience by integrating space-based cellular broadband into its national infrastructure. Together with Taiwan Mobile, we are advancing a seamless architecture that works directly with everyday smartphones, no new hardware required. This collaboration is about strengthening network continuity, and ensuring that connectivity remains available when it matters most. This is the future of mobile communications, a more resilient, future-ready communications ecosystem.”

Taiwan's diverse topography encompasses mountainous valleys, coastal waters, and offshore islands, situated within a frequent typhoon and earthquake belt. Despite ranking among the world's top mobile coverage providers, continuous enhancement of connectivity resilience in unique geographical environments and disaster scenarios remains essential. Under this collaborative framework, AST SpaceMobile will assist in designing, developing, and operating the low-Earth orbit satellite mobile communication system, providing relevant technical resources for integration assessment with Taiwan Mobile's existing mobile network. Taiwan Mobile will contribute local mobile network technical support, spectrum planning coordination, and regulatory communication resources to jointly advance technical testing and commercial feasibility analysis.