AST SpaceMobile Boosts Satellite Internet Speeds for Smartphones Nearly Fivefold

• May 11, 2026

AST SpaceMobile, a Texas-based aerospace startup, has achieved a remarkable improvement in its satellite internet service designed specifically for smartphones. The company announced that it has nearly quintupled the data download speeds delivered by its first-generation satellite network.

Previously, data transfer rates reached a maximum of just 21 megabits per second (Mbps), a speed sufficient to support voice and video calls from remote locations. This enhancement aims to significantly improve user experience and broaden service capabilities.

Advancing Satellite Connectivity for Mobile Devices

The development marks a significant milestone for AST SpaceMobile as it prepares to compete with established satellite internet providers, including SpaceX’s Starlink Mobile service. By improving the throughput of its initial satellites, AST is addressing one of the main challenges facing satellite cellular connectivity—delivering robust, high-speed internet directly to standard mobile phones without the need for specialized ground equipment.

This enhancement is particularly notable given the limitations typically associated with early satellite networks, which often struggle with restricted bandwidth and slower speeds. AST’s successful upgrade promises to expand access to reliable internet in underserved and remote regions where traditional cellular infrastructure is limited or non-existent.

While specific technical details and future rollout plans were not disclosed, the increase in download speeds represents a significant leap toward making satellite-based mobile internet more practical and competitive against terrestrial networks. As satellite constellations continue to develop, innovations like this may play a crucial role in bridging the global digital divide.

AST SpaceMobile’s achievement is a step forward in the evolving landscape of satellite internet technology, demonstrating that even first-generation satellites have room for performance enhancements. The company’s ongoing efforts suggest promising prospects for the future of direct-to-phone satellite connectivity.

AST SpaceMobile significantly enhances data download speeds from its first-generation satellites, aiming to rival SpaceX’s Starlink Mobile.