AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS) has appointed Chris Sambar, the current Head of Network at AT&T, to its board of directors, effective June 20, succeeding Alex Coleman, Chairman at New Providence Acquisition Corp. Sambar's deep understanding of network infrastructure, strategy, and global markets, honed through over two decades at AT&T, is expected to be instrumental in guiding AST SpaceMobile's deployment of its space-based cellular broadband service.
AST SpaceMobile is planning to deliver its first commercial satellites to Cape Canaveral for launch into low earth orbit this summer. The company has more than 3,300 patent and patent-pending claims for its technology and operates state-of-the-art, vertically integrated manufacturing and testing facilities in Midland, Texas, which collectively span 185,000 square feet.
The company has secured strategic investments from AT&T, Verizon, Google, and Vodafone, as well as a contract award with the United States government through a prime contractor. It has agreements with more than 45 mobile network operators globally, which have over 2.8 billion existing subscribers in total. Existing investors in AST SpaceMobile include Rakuten, American Tower, and Bell Canada.
Chris Sambar currently oversees a multi-billion-dollar budget and leads the team responsible for AT&T's global network infrastructure. He has held various leadership roles across AT&T, including enterprise business sales, public sector sales & solutions, consumer broadband & television, retail & wireless distribution and sales, human resources, and corporate strategy.
Abel Avellan, Founder, Chairman, and CEO at AST SpaceMobile, described Sambar as a remarkable leader with a proven track record in managing complex operations and driving innovation, emphasizing the value of his deep understanding of network technology, strategy, and global markets.
AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices, based on its extensive IP and patent portfolio, for both commercial and government use. The company's mission is to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected. Following these announcements, the company's shares moved 5.0%, and are now trading at a price of $10.85. If you want to know more, read the company's complete 8-K report here.
