What is AST SpaceMobile (ASTS), and how do you trade it?

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What is AST SpaceMobile?

AST SpaceMobile is a satellite communications company building the first and only global cellular-broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices.

Founded in 2017 by telecom entrepreneur Abel Avellan, the company plans to launch a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites capable of delivering 4G and 5G connectivity directly to everyday smartphones, while relying on ground-based infrastructure and partnerships with mobile-network operators for full service delivery.

AST SpaceMobile is publicly traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the ticker symbol ASTS. Its first test satellite, BlueWalker 3, successfully launched on 10 September 2022. On 12 September 2024 the company launched its first five commercial satellites, called BlueBirds – with major mobile operators such as AT&T, Vodafone and Rakuten among its strategic partners.

AST SpaceMobile vs Starlink: What are the differences?

AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) and SpaceX’s Starlink both aim to deliver internet from space, but they do so in very different ways. One targets your phone, the other your house – with each transitioning towards direct-to-mobile connectivity. Here’s how they compare:

AST SpaceMobile

ASTS is building a satellite network that beams broadband straight to standard smartphones – no dishes or new devices needed. This could make mobile coverage possible in areas without any infrastructure. The company launched its first commercial BlueBird satellites in September 2024, with further launches expected in 2025. Any delays or missed performance targets could weigh on the ASTS stock price.

Starlink (SpaceX)

Starlink is already delivering satellite internet to homes and businesses worldwide. It’s more established, with steady revenue and global reach. However, it still requires users to install hardware for broadband – though its direct-to-phone service is now in deployment. If Starlink beats ASTS to reliable smartphone connectivity, it could reduce ASTS’s competitive edge.

What is AST SpaceMobile’s share price history?

AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) began trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market on 7 April 2021 after merging with New Providence Acquisition Corp., a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC). The stock initially surged in June 2021 amid enthusiasm for space-focused equities, but lost momentum as investor appetite for speculative tech cooled through the rest of the year.

In early 2024 renewed optimism around AST SpaceMobile’s commercial ambitions and satellite-deployment plans helped lift the share price. However, delays in the rollout of its first production satellites, combined with a broader sell-off in speculative technology stocks, drove ASTS shares to an all-time low of $1.98 on 3 April 2024.

The narrative shifted dramatically in the following months. By mid-2024 AST SpaceMobile announced it had resolved key supplier delays and was advancing toward the launch of its first five ‘Block 1’ satellites. Speculative interest, short covering and the absence of further share dilution fuelled a rapid rally, propelling the ASTS share price to a record high of $39.08 on 21 August 2024.

As of 12 May 2025, ASTS stock is trading at approximately $27.09.

Past performance isn’t a reliable indicator of future results.

Which factors might affect the AST SpaceMobile live stock price?

AST SpaceMobile’s (ASTS) stock price can be influenced by a range of company-specific and sector-wide factors. Here are some of the key drivers to watch:

Satellite launches and project milestones

ASTS successfully launched its first five commercial satellites, known as BlueBirds, in September 2024. Any updates on manufacturing, regulatory clearance, or a confirmed AST SpaceMobile launch date for subsequent satellites could move the price. Delays or issues with the rockets or payloads may weigh on the price, while successful deployment or in-orbit tests could support the stock.

Partnership updates and service readiness

AST SpaceMobile has commercial agreements with AT&T, Vodafone, Verizon, and Rakuten. Progress towards service activation or wider mobile operator adoption may be viewed positively. On the other hand, signs of push-back from telecom partners or slower-than-expected integration could weigh on ASTS shares.

Competition in satellite-to-phone connectivity

AST SpaceMobile competes with players like Starlink (SpaceX) and Apple-partnered Globalstar. In the broader AST SpaceMobile vs Starlink narrative, announcements from rivals – such as new launches, speed benchmarks or commercial deals – may affect trader sentiment. Positive comparisons could benefit ASTS, while being seen as behind the curve may pressure the share price.

Cash position and funding announcements

As of May 2025, AST SpaceMobile is moving towards its first revenue as it expands its constellation, yet it remains reliant on external financing until enough satellites are operational. The company raised funds in 2024, but ongoing cash-burn may require additional capital. New funding via share issuance could dilute existing shareholders, while strategic investment or government support may be seen more favourably. Quarterly ASTS stock earnings releases can also prompt sharp moves if results differ from expectations.

Regulatory and spectrum decisions

The ASTS share price could depend on spectrum licences and cross-border telecom approvals. Progress in countries like India or Brazil could drive optimism. However, regulatory push-back or limits on spectrum use – especially in densely populated markets – could hurt the outlook and impact the stock.

Speculative appetite and macro factors

ASTS is sensitive to broader market conditions. Rising interest rates or reduced risk-appetite can lead to selling in early-stage tech names. In contrast, a shift back to growth stocks, or bullish sentiment around space-based infrastructure, could support demand for ASTS.

Is AST SpaceMobile a communications stock?

Yes, AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) is considered a communications stock, specifically in the telecommunications-equipment segment. It’s building a satellite-based mobile broadband network designed to connect directly to standard smartphones – without the need for ground towers.

Unlike traditional telecoms such as AT&T or Vodafone, AST SpaceMobile doesn’t sell mobile plans or devices. Instead, it partners with major operators to deliver coverage using its space infrastructure. This means AST SpaceMobile acts as a service provider, enabling mobile-network operators to extend their coverage via its satellite network, rather than focusing on manufacturing equipment or infrastructure.

Traders interested in AST SpaceMobile stock may also look at other satellite telecom shares, such as:

• Globalstar (GSAT) – operates satellite services and supports Apple’s iPhone ‘Emergency SOS’ feature – Trade Globalstar shares.

• Viasat (VSAT) – provides satellite internet and connectivity for residential, aviation, and defence markets – Trade Viasat shares.

• Eutelsat Group (ETL) – merged with OneWeb in 2023, now offers satellite internet and LEO connectivity – Trade Eutelsat shares.

• SES (SESG) – Luxembourg-based provider with a large fleet of satellites serving video and data markets – Trade SES shares.

Learn more about stock markets – read our shares trading guide.

What are AST SpaceMobile’s stock trading hours?

AST SpaceMobile is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market – which is open Monday to Friday – under the ticker symbol ‘ASTS’. Here are the ASTS stock market trading hours in coordinated universal time (UTC):

• Winter (Eastern Standard Time): from 2:30pm to 9pm UTC.

• Summer (Eastern Daylight Time): from 1:30pm to 8pm UTC.

You can follow AST SpaceMobile’s stock performance using our ASTS share price chart.

Monitoring ASTS during market hours can help you spot price movements linked to fundamental or technical events, such as launch updates, funding news, or broader activity across the US tech and space sectors.

How to trade AST SpaceMobile shares with CFDs

You can trade AST SpaceMobile shares using CFDs – or contracts for difference – which let you speculate on the company’s share price without owning the stock.

AST SpaceMobile is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the ticker ‘ASTS’. With CFDs, you can go long (buy) if you think the ASTS stock price will rise, or short (sell) if you think it’ll fall.

You can trade CFDs on the live market price, with the cost to open a position built into the spread – the small difference between the buy and sell price. There are no exchange fees, and you won’t pay stamp duty. Other fees apply.

CFDs are traded on margin, so you only need to put down a portion of the full trade value (known as margin) – but your gains and losses are based on the full size of the position. Bear in mind that trading on margin can amplify both gains and losses. Keep an eye on upcoming ASTS stock earnings dates too, as results may influence heightened volatility.

To start trading, open a live account, or use a demo account to practise in a risk-free environment.

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