When was AST SpaceMobile founded compared to Iridium Communications?

AST SpaceMobile was founded in 2017, and Iridium Communications was founded in 2001.

Where are AST SpaceMobile and Iridium Communications headquartered?

AST SpaceMobile is headquartered in Midland; Iridium Communications is headquartered in McLean.

Head-to-head · 2026

AST SpaceMobile vs Iridium Communications

Public direct-to-cell challenger (ASTS) vs the legacy global satphone incumbent (IRDM).

Side by side

Attribute	AST SpaceMobile	Iridium Communications
Founded	2017	2001
Headquarters	Midland, United States	McLean, United States
Entity type	commercial	commercial
Operational status	public	public
Stock ticker	ASTS	IRDM
Sectors	satellite-communications	satellite-communications, satellite-operators, iot
Significant people	Abel Avellan (CEO, Founder)	Matt Desch (CEO)

What each one does

AST SpaceMobile

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by standard smartphones, without requiring specialized hardware or additional equipment. The company's revolutionary BlueBird and BlueWalker satellites feature the largest-ever commercial communications arrays deployed in low-Earth orbit, designed to connect directly with existing mobile devices using standard 4G/LTE and 5G protocols. Founded in 2017, AST SpaceMobile has developed proprietary technology enabling ordinary smartphones to achieve broadband connectivity via satellite, addressing the approximately 5 billion mobile subscribers who lack reliable coverage in rural areas, during natural disasters, or while traveling. The company's approach eliminates the need for satellite-specific phones, accessories, or subscription changes, working seamlessly with existing cellular service plans. BlueWalker 3, launched in 2022, demonstrated the world's largest commercial communications array in space at 693 square feet, successfully completing calls and achieving record-setting 4G/5G speeds directly to unmodified smartphones. The subsequent BlueBird commercial satellites feature even larger arrays and greater capacity. AST SpaceMobile has secured partnership agreements with major mobile network operators including AT&T, Vodafone, Rakuten, and Bell Canada, representing billions of potential subscribers. The company plans to deploy a constellation of approximately 168 satellites to provide continuous global coverage, eliminating mobile connectivity gaps worldwide. Each satellite will cover areas larger than Texas, dramatically reducing the infrastructure cost per subscriber. AST SpaceMobile's technology addresses critical communication needs for emergency services, disaster response, rural connectivity, and everyday mobile users seeking uninterrupted service. Headquartered in Midland, Texas, with facilities in the United States, Israel, and the United Kingdom, AST SpaceMobile continues advancing toward commercial service launch.

Full AST SpaceMobile profile

Iridium Communications

Iridium Communications is a satellite communications company operating the world's only truly global mobile satellite network. The Iridium constellation of 66 active satellites provides voice, data, and broadband services anywhere on Earth, including polar regions and remote oceans. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Iridium serves government, maritime, aviation, and IoT customers. Iridium trades on NASDAQ under IRDM with a market capitalization exceeding $4 billion. The company employs approximately 500 people and generates over $700 million in annual revenue. Under CEO Matt Desch, Iridium completed a $3 billion constellation replacement program and has grown into a profitable satellite operator. ## History and Milestones Motorola conceived the original Iridium system in the late 1980s as the first global mobile satellite communications network. The original 66-satellite constellation launched in the 1990s, but the company filed for bankruptcy in 1999 as adoption failed to meet projections. A investor group acquired Iridium assets in 2000 and rebuilt the business with a focus on government and specialized commercial markets. The company proved viable serving customers who needed communications where terrestrial networks couldn't reach. Iridium launched its replacement constellation, Iridium NEXT, between 2017 and 2019, deploying 75 new satellites (66 operational plus spares) aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets. This $3 billion investment modernized the network with enhanced capabilities while maintaining backward compatibility. ## Products and Services Iridium provides satellite voice and data services through handheld devices, vehicle-mounted terminals, and embedded modules. The network's low Earth orbit constellation enables low-latency communications unavailable from geostationary satellites. Iridium Certus provides broadband connectivity for maritime, aviation, and land mobile applications. This L-band service offers speeds up to several megabits per second, serving customers requiring reliable connectivity in remote areas. The company's IoT services connect remote assets including shipping containers, pipeline sensors, and tracking devices. Iridium's global coverage makes it essential for assets that move beyond cellular network coverage. ## Technology and Capabilities The Iridium constellation consists of 66 active satellites in six polar orbital planes at approximately 780 km altitude. Cross-linked satellites create a mesh network that routes calls in space, reducing dependence on ground stations and enabling true global coverage including polar regions. Iridium NEXT satellites introduced capabilities including ADS-B receivers for aircraft tracking (Aireon service), AIS receivers for ship tracking, and hosted payloads for partner organizations. These hosted payloads generate additional revenue from the constellation investment. The L-band spectrum allocation provides rain-fade resistance and reliable service in adverse weather conditions. Iridium's network architecture enables direct phone-to-phone communication anywhere on Earth without routing through ground stations. ## Business and Financial Overview Iridium generates approximately $750 million in annual revenue with strong margins from its subscription-based model. Government services (primarily U.S. Department of Defense) represent the largest segment, followed by commercial maritime, aviation, and IoT. The company's long-term contract with the U.S. Department of Defense (worth approximately $738 million) provides stable revenue and demonstrates the network's strategic value. Commercial growth comes from maritime broadband, aviation safety services, and IoT applications. Iridium achieved profitability after completing the NEXT constellation deployment and paying down associated debt. The company maintains strong free cash flow and returns capital to shareholders through dividends and buybacks. ## Recent Developments In 2024, Iridium continued growing its subscriber base across all segments while expanding service capabilities. The company advanced partnerships with smartphone manufacturers for direct-to-device emergency satellite connectivity. Iridium expanded its IoT ecosystem, connecting more devices and applications through its network. The company also enhanced Iridium Certus services and grew the aviation connectivity business. The Aireon service (aircraft tracking via ADS-B) continued serving air navigation service providers worldwide. Iridium also advanced plans for eventual constellation sustainment and technology evolution. ## Market Position Iridium is the only satellite communications provider offering truly global coverage including polar regions. This unique capability serves customers who cannot rely on alternative networks for their communications needs. Competitors include Inmarsat, Globalstar, and emerging LEO broadband providers like Starlink. Iridium's advantages include complete global coverage, proven reliability, and specialized government relationships. Strategic priorities include growing commercial subscribers, expanding IoT applications, and planning for long-term constellation sustainment. Iridium's established market position and subscriber growth support continued financial performance.

Full Iridium Communications profile