Rendering of five BlueBird satellites from AST SpaceMobile unfolded in space. Photo: AST SpaceMobile

Saudi Arabia’s top telecommunications provider stc group is the latest telco to sign a commercial agreement with AST SpaceMobile for direct-to-cell services. The companies on Wednesday announced a 10-year agreement with a $175 million pre-payment and a commitment to “significant long-term commercial revenue.” 

This is AST SpaceMobile’s first deal in the Middle East and will serve stc group customers across Saudi Arabia and select countries in the Middle East and Africa. AST SpaceMobile said it will also build three ground gateways in Saudi Arabia and establish a network operations center in Riyadh. 

“By expanding coverage by using the latest innovations in telecommunications technology, stc and AST SpaceMobile are bridging connectivity gaps and ensuring no one is left out of the digital future. It’s a step forward in our ambition to lead in digital infrastructure and deliver world-class connectivity access to everyone, no matter where they are,” stc group CEO Olayan Alwetaid commented. 

AST SpaceMobile said that commercial services are “anticipated to launch during the fourth quarter of 2026.” This is contingent upon regulatory authorization, licensing, and compliance from authorities in Saudi Arabia and the regulators in 15 other countries where the telco offers service. 

AST SpaceMobile is preparing to start launching its Block 2 BlueBird satellites, with CEO Abel Avellan telling investors in August that it expects “at least five” launches by end of the first quarter of 2026. 

AST SpaceMobile has now announced commercial agreements with AT&T, with Vodafone, and with Verizon, announced earlier this month.