Very dramatic news! π¨
Our assessments proved correct! π΅
Meta and ASTS are building the next global communication layer! π€
Vinod Samruvikrama, Head of AI Strategy for Networks, Quality of Experience, and Global Satellite Partnerships at Meta, revealed that the management and engineering teams of both companies held a comprehensive technology workshop at Meta's headquarters, aimed at designing the next generation of satellite communication services (image attached) β‘οΈ
If Meta's and AST SpaceMobile's plans materialize, this is much more than just expanding cellular coverage. π₯
The goal is to turn WhatsApp into a communication app that works almost anywhere in the world, even without traditional cellular antennas. π
As part of the collaboration, the companies are working to integrate WhatsApp over AST's satellite network for: π voice calls. π video calls. π messages. π Meta AI services directly to end-user devices.
But the big story is behind the scenes. π€«
The partnership is also exploring the development of: π’ edge spatial computing to process information closer to the user and reduce latency. π’ laser links between satellites and ground infrastructure, which will enable faster data transfer. π’ deep integration with cloud infrastructure, with the aim of creating a single continuous network combining satellites and terrestrial networks.
The meaning is very simple and clear: π‘
ASTS no longer presents itself merely as a "cellular from space" company, it is trying to become part of the communication infrastructure of one of the world's largest products, with over 3 billion WhatsApp users. π€
If the move succeeds, ASTS will no longer sell only the dream of satellite coverage, but rather a global communication platform where the transition between a cellular antenna and a satellite will be almost imperceptible to the user π