Today’s telecom news includes announcements on AST SpaceMobile, BlueBird satellites, SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, Reliance Jio, Eutelsat, Mercury, among others.
Skybound Breakthrough: AST SpaceMobile Expands Global Cellular Network with Triple Satellite Launch
AST SpaceMobile has launched its BlueBird 8, 9, and 10 satellites into low Earth orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, marking a major step forward in its mission to create the world’s first space-based cellular broadband network that connects directly to everyday smartphones. The launch expands the company’s growing satellite constellation and enhances its ability to deliver voice, data, and video services in underserved and remote regions. Equipped with advanced technology, the new satellites are designed to boost network capacity and performance. The milestone strengthens AST SpaceMobile’s commercial deployment plans and supports its target of building a larger operational fleet by the end of 2026, accelerating the rollout of global direct-to-device connectivity services.
Ambani’s Jio Gears Up for Record-Breaking $4 bn IPO
Reliance Jio Infocomm, the telecom and digital arm of billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance group, is reportedly preparing to file draft papers for a highly anticipated $4 billion initial public offering within days, according to the Financial Times. The filing is expected ahead of Ambani’s annual address to Reliance Industries shareholders, a closely watched event for investors. The IPO, which could become India’s largest-ever public offering, marks a significant milestone after delays caused by weaker market conditions and geopolitical uncertainty that dampened IPO activity across the country. Jio’s listing is expected to provide an exit route for existing investors and could reignite investor interest in India’s capital markets, potentially paving the way for other major listings.
Angola’s Digital Leap: Eutelsat and Mercury Strike Major LEO Connectivity Expansion Deal
Eutelsat and Mercury, a subsidiary of Angola’s Sonangol Group, have signed a new multi-year, multi-million-euro agreement to expand low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity services across Angola. The partnership builds on their longstanding relationship and will extend secure, low-latency broadband access to enterprise, public sector, offshore, and telecom customers. Mercury will continue distributing Eutelsat’s OneWeb-powered services, helping connect remote and underserved areas where traditional infrastructure remains limited. Eutelsat, currently the only licensed LEO operator in Angola, will leverage its local ground station and network infrastructure to strengthen service delivery. The agreement highlights growing demand for satellite-based connectivity solutions in Africa and supports Angola’s ongoing digital transformation and network resilience ambitions.
SHAFANA FAZAL