AST SpaceMobile shares rise 4% after launching three new BlueBird satellites to boost global cellular broadband.

AST SpaceMobile's shares increased about 4% following the successful launch of three BlueBird satellites aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. These satellites, the largest commercial communication arrays in low Earth orbit, aim to provide direct connectivity to standard smartphones without special equipment. The new Block 2 satellites are expected to deliver peak data speeds of nearly 200 Mbps, doubling the performance of earlier models. AST plans to expand its space-based cellular broadband network globally, with further satellite launches and partnerships with nearly 60 mobile operators worldwide.