Taking the existing mobile phone network to space
– Summary:
A company developing technology to expand the mobile phone network into space.
Plan to launch satellites that can communicate directly with terrestrial mobile phones.
– Strengths:
The potential to enable the use of mobile phones anywhere in the world.
Contribution to regions where communication infrastructure development is lagging.
– Future outlook:
Launch of satellites and services.
Collaboration with global telecom operators.
Business expansion in emerging markets.
Comparison between AST Space's satellite phone and Starlink.
AST Space and SpaceX's Starlink are ambitious projects aiming to provide internet connection anywhere on Earth using satellite communication networks. However, there are several key differences between the two.
Differences in satellites and communication methods
– AST Space:
◦ Direct connection: AST Space aims to achieve direct communication with satellites using existing smartphones without the need for any special equipment.
◦ Low Earth Orbit Satellites: Aim to provide more stable communications by placing satellites in relatively low orbits.
– Starlink:
◦ Relay Station: There may be a need for ground relay stations between smartphones and satellites.
◦ Large-scale satellite constellation: Deploying thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit to build a large-scale network covering the entire planet.
◦
Purpose and target of the service
– AST Space:
◦ Telecom infrastructure development in underserved regions: Focusing on emergency communications in regions with underdeveloped communication infrastructure and during disasters.
◦ Expansion of mobile phone network: The goal is to expand the existing mobile phone network into space, enabling mobile phones to be used anywhere on Earth.
– Starlink:
◦ Broadband internet: We aim to provide fast broadband internet services worldwide.
◦ Diverse applications: Not only internet connectivity, but also applications in various fields such as iot, telemedicine, mainland education, etc, are expected.
Current situation and future outlook
– Test phase: AST Space has already launched test satellites, and is progressing with technological verification such as successfully communicating directly with commercial smart phones.
– Collaboration with Rakuten Mobile: In Japan, Rakuten Mobile aims to leverage AST Space's technology and aims to start services domestically by 2026.
– Potential Markets: In the world, there are many regions where communication infrastructure is underdeveloped or where ground communication networks are disrupted during disasters. AST Space's technology holds great potential for providing communication services to these regions.
– Challenges:
◦ Satellite network construction: To provide stable telecom services on a global scale, it is necessary to launch a large number of satellites.
◦ Cost: Due to the high costs of satellite development and launch, the cost of services may become a challenge.
◦ Regulation: It is necessary to comply with regulations regarding communications in each country.
Penetration rate and monetization
– Penetration rate: Since the service has not been launched yet, there is no data on the penetration rate. However, once technical challenges are overcome and the service can be provided stably, rapid penetration is expected.
– Monetization: In the initial stages, prices may be higher to prioritize service penetration. However, with technological advancements and economies of scale, prices are expected to decrease in the future, leading to monetization.
Summary
The satellite phone service of AST Space is still in the development stage, and there are many unknowns about its penetration rate and monetization. However, the technological potential is high, and it is expected to become an innovative service that contributes to the communication infrastructure development worldwide.
Disclaimer: Community is offered by Moomoo Technologies Inc. and is for educational purposes only.
Read more
Comment
Sign in to post a comment
たきまる : On 10/24, KDDI corporation successfully conducted a messaging experiment between smartphones using Starlink. AST appears to be progressing based on data communications at the level of video viewing. Also, it seems that they have already conducted video calls between countries using test satellites.
Kd_create OP たきまる : Stārinku veru inc requires a relay station, right?
たきまる Kd_create OP : It seems that direct communications are now possible.kddi corporation, successful in direct communication between smartphones and Starlink, the first in Japan - Nikkei