Verizon signs deal with AST SpaceMobile to provide cellular service from space

AST SpaceMobile on Wednesday announced a deal with Verizon to provide cellular service from space beginning next year.

This deal aims to bring direct-to-service connection via space to cell phone users "when needed" on Verizon plans, according to AST. It marks an expansion of a partnership between the two companies announced last year.

Terms were kept under wraps. But the agreement promises to give Verizon customers a new way to remain connected in cellular dead zones by tapping AST's orbiting satellites, which have been designed to power voice and video calls, along with data. Currently, Verizon subscribers on certain phones can receive only limited satellite-powered texting through partner Skylo.

"Through our definitive commercial agreement with Verizon, we are working to deliver space-based cellular broadband coverage from space across the continental United States," Abel Avellan, founder and CEO of AST, said in a press release.

Verizon is the second major carrier to sign with AST, following a 10-year agreement with Vodafone. For AST, the Verizon deal comes at a critical time as the company races to deploy its BlueBird satellite constellation designed to link directly with unmodified cell phones.

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