Taiwan Mobile teams up with AST SpaceMobile to deploy "Direct-to-Phone Satellite" technology, building space-based cell towers and enhancing communication resilience across Taiwan

Taiwan Mobile announced at MWC World Mobile Communications Conference that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with AST SpaceMobile, the world’s first company to achieve direct-to-cellular satellite connectivity. By introducing “direct satellite to mobile” technology, standard smartphones can connect directly to space base stations without any modifications, even in remote mountain areas, at sea, or during disaster-induced outages.
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• Standard phones can connect to satellites: seamlessly filling coverage gaps
• Enhancing communication resilience: protecting Taiwan’s diverse terrain
• Connecting with the international ecosystem: aligning with global tech giants

As the global mobile communication industry advances into a new era of space-terrestrial integration, Taiwan Mobile announced on March 2 at MWC that it has officially signed a “Strategic Cooperation Memorandum for Low Earth Orbit Satellite Communication Services” with AST SpaceMobile, the world’s first company to realize direct-to-cellular (D2C) satellite connectivity. This move signifies Taiwan’s telecom industry extending its communication scope from ground to space, aiming to build a three-dimensional integrated network that provides more resilient services across Taiwan.

Standard phones can connect to satellites: seamlessly filling coverage gaps

The core highlight of this partnership is the “direct satellite to mobile” (D2C) technology. Unlike traditional satellite communications that require bulky dedicated terminals or large antennas, AST SpaceMobile’s technology allows low Earth orbit satellites, positioned 500 kilometers above ground, to connect directly with standard smartphones. This means users do not need to replace hardware or add accessories, enabling basic communication in areas where terrestrial networks are hard to reach, such as remote mountains, at sea, or during disaster outages.

This technology not only greatly improves convenience but also offers high cost-effectiveness, transforming satellite communication from a specialized service into a reliable backup accessible to the general public during critical moments.

Enhancing communication resilience: protecting Taiwan’s diverse terrain

Taiwan’s rugged terrain and frequent natural disasters pose ongoing challenges for signal coverage, especially in high mountains, valleys, and offshore islands. Taiwan Mobile General Manager Lin Chih-chien pointed out that low Earth orbit satellite technology can strengthen the resilience of ground networks, especially when earthquakes or typhoons damage terrestrial base stations, with satellites providing vital backup support.

AST SpaceMobile President Scott Wisniewski also stated that by linking AST’s space base stations with Taiwan Mobile’s ground stations, a seamless communication architecture will be built. In this collaboration, AST SpaceMobile will operate the low Earth orbit satellite system, while Taiwan Mobile will provide local ground station operations, spectrum planning, and regulatory communication support, jointly advancing this forward-looking service in Taiwan.

Connecting with the international ecosystem: aligning with global tech giants

AST SpaceMobile boasts a leading satellite architecture, with its “BlueBird” satellite constellation featuring large phased-array antennas, each satellite covering an area of 2,400 square feet. The company has received strategic investments from global technology and telecom giants such as Google, AT&T, Verizon, and Vodafone, and has established partnerships with multiple defense and humanitarian organizations worldwide.

Lin Chih-chien emphasized that Taiwan Mobile’s collaboration with AST SpaceMobile not only demonstrates its strategic alignment with top global operators but also embodies the brand’s “Open Possible” spirit. Through the three-dimensional integration of satellites and ground networks, Taiwan Mobile is gradually realizing its vision of nationwide connectivity, creating a “what’s possible” communication experience for enterprises and individual users alike.