2degrees partners with AST SpaceMobile for satellite mobile

2degrees has announced a strategic partnership with AST SpaceMobile, aimed at enhancing mobile coverage in New Zealand through satellite technology, with services commencing in 2026.

The partnership will facilitate the delivery of broadband data services directly to ordinary smartphones via satellite, negating the need for specialised devices or software. This move is facilitated through AST SpaceMobile's technology that provides 4G LTE and 5G cellular broadband, and is designed for commercial as well as government applications.

As part of this initiative, 2degrees is set to construct a dedicated ground station in New Zealand. This ground station will serve as a cornerstone for implementing this technology across the country.

Mark Callander, 2degrees Chief Executive, elaborated on the benefits, stating, "This partnership will extend our network reach and provide customers connectivity in places that our cellular network doesn't serve. Our goal is to provide reliable mobile internet connectivity beyond the limits of existing infrastructure. What is particularly exciting about our partnership with AST SpaceMobile is that they are going straight to cellular broadband connectivity, not laddering through text, then voice, then data."

Callander also emphasised the importance of regulatory compliance and testing, saying, "We are taking a measured approach, working through regulatory processes and real-world testing over the next 12 months. What we do know is that this partnership will allow us to offer coverage in areas where it was previously unavailable. AST SpaceMobile is collaborating with global telecommunications leaders to drive innovation in mobile connectivity, and we are excited to be part of this journey."

Chris Ivory, AST SpaceMobile Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted the suitability of New Zealand's diverse landscape for the technology, stating, "Our technology is designed to connect seamlessly with standard, unmodified mobile phones, bridging coverage gaps in remote and underserved areas. New Zealand's diverse geography presents unique connectivity challenges, making it well-suited for space-based cellular broadband coverage. We look forward to collaborating with 2degrees to ensure people across the country have access to reliable broadband mobile services, even when they are outside traditional coverage areas."

Callander added to the long-term vision by noting, "Space-based connectivity will play an important role in our long-term strategy. We have experience in building satellite ground stations for customers, and we are eager to build and manage our own to support this next-generation technology."

AST SpaceMobile's technology is compatible with standard, unmodified mobile phones, thus simplifying the user experience for connecting to satellite networks.

With construction on the ground station set to begin this year, 2degrees customers can look forward to accessing this satellite-supported service by 2026.

This development marks a significant milestone in enhancing mobile connectivity across New Zealand, with 2degrees further demonstrating its commitment to providing New Zealanders with access to advanced technological solutions.