AST
SpaceMobile Selects NEC to Manufacture Key Satellite
Modules
AST & Science LLC announced that it
has selected NEC Platforms, Ltd., a subsidiary of NEC
Corporation (TSE: NEC) and a leader in the integration
of IT and network technologies, to manufacture essential
AST SpaceMobile satellite modules. NEC Platforms, based
in Japan, will mass produce these modules, which are the
cornerstone of AST SpaceMobile's patented technology for
its high-powered low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellites.
AST SpaceMobile has developed the
first satellite technology which connects directly to
off-the-shelf smartphones at broadband speeds without
any need for specialized satellite hardware. The AST
SpaceMobile network will enable seamless roaming to and
from terrestrial cellular networks, filling mobile
coverage gaps around the world.
"We are pleased to partner with an
experienced technology company like NEC Platforms for
the production of key components of our satellites,"
said Abel Avellan, Chairman and CEO, AST SpaceMobile,
Inc. "NEC's global vision of providing 'Solutions for
Society' is closely aligned with AST's own mission of
democratizing access to broadband connectivity
throughout the world. This agreement is critical for AST
to achieve its goal. As an added benefit, the Company is
exploring financing opportunities with Japanese
government sponsored debt capital sources."
"NEC Platforms has rich experience
in manufacturing a wide range of IT and network products
with high-quality control and efficient supply chain
management," said Kimihiko Fukuda, President at NEC
Platforms, Ltd. and Senior Vice President at NEC
Corporation. "We are excited to be working with AST
SpaceMobile to enable its innovative solution with our
value-added production capabilities."
AST SpaceMobile already has
extensive relationships in Japan, including with Rakuten
Mobile, a lead investor and a global strategic partner.
"For Rakuten Mobile, AST SpaceMobile's unique technology
represents a competitive and efficient path to
connecting customers across Japan, and to bolstering
mobile service in times of natural disaster or
emergency," said Yoshihisa Yamada, Representative
Director and President of Rakuten Mobile, Inc. "As a
lead investor in AST SpaceMobile, we are very excited
about this new partnership with NEC Platforms and its
potential to contribute to bringing high-quality
space-based mobile broadband to customers."
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