Photo courtesy of AST Space Mobile

AST SpaceMobile has signed two MoUs as it looks to extend the reach of its space network. The two MoUs will help attack key markets in Latin America and the Middle East. Firstly, it signed an MoU with Zain KSA which sees the company able to explore opportunities in Saudi Arabia. The two companies announced the MoU. Feb. 9. The MoU will enable AST SpaceMobile and Zain KSA to collaborate towards new telecom solutions and satellite-based digital services in Saudi Arabia and aim to increase access to mobile services in remote locations, including on land, at sea and in flight.

AST SpaceMobile is building a global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices. “We are confident that our collaboration with AST SpaceMobile, could help to potentially provide space based cellular broadband connectivity in the Kingdom, particularly in remote areas. In doing that, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every citizen and resident in this precious land is connected wherever they may be,” Abdulrahman Al-Mufadda, Chief Technology Officer, Zain KSA, said in a statement.

It has been a busy week for AST SpaceMobile. On Feb. 8, It signed an MoU with TIM, one of Brazil’s leading mobile network operators, with the aim of increasing the scope of cellular connectivity and bringing space-based coverage to Brazil. The MoU will also support testing of AST SpaceMobile’s space-based technologies by TIM for providing 4G data and voice services in Brazil. TIM’s first technical tests and initial evaluation of AST SpaceMobile’s planned solution are expected to take place in Brazil’s North and Northeastern regions, aiming for the first half of 2023, subject to various factors, including obtaining regulatory approval.