AST SpaceMobile's Trading Volume Dives 40.78% to 187th in U.S. Markets Despite $175M stc Partnership and Satellite Network Expansion

Market Snapshot

On October 30, 2025, AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) experienced a significant decline in trading volume, with $0.7 billion in shares exchanged—a 40.78% drop from the previous day’s activity. This placed the stock at the 187th rank in terms of trading volume among U.S. equities. Despite the strategic partnership announced with Saudi Arabia’s stc Group, the stock closed the day down 4.22%. The drop in volume and price highlights investor caution ahead of regulatory approvals and the anticipated commercial launch in late 2026.

Key Drivers

The signing of a 10-year commercial agreement with stc Group, a leading digital enabler in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, marked a pivotal development for AST SpaceMobile. Under the deal, stc committed a $175 million prepayment for future services and pledged long-term commercial revenue, positioning AST SpaceMobile as the first provider in the region to deliver direct-to-device satellite broadband connectivity. The partnership aims to integrate AST’s space-based cellular network with stc’s terrestrial infrastructure, expanding mobile coverage to remote and underserved areas across Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and Africa. This collaboration aligns with AST SpaceMobile’s mission to bridge the digital divide by enabling 5G and 4G LTE services on standard smartphones without requiring specialized hardware or software updates.

The agreement includes significant infrastructure investments, such as the construction of three ground gateways in Saudi Arabia and the establishment of a Network Operations Center (NOC) in Riyadh. These developments are critical for ensuring seamless connectivity and service quality, particularly in regions with limited terrestrial network coverage. CEO Abel Avellan emphasized the partnership’s potential to create a “paradigm shift” in connectivity, while stc Group CEO Olayan Alwetaid highlighted the initiative’s role in advancing digital inclusion and reinforcing stc’s leadership in next-generation infrastructure. The deal underscores AST SpaceMobile’s growing footprint, following similar agreements with U.S. telecom giants AT&T and Verizon.

Despite the positive news, AST SpaceMobile’s stock closed 4.22% lower on October 30, contrasting with a 3% rise on the day of the announcement (October 29). The discrepancy may reflect investor concerns over regulatory hurdles, such as obtaining approvals from Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission and other agencies in 15 countries. Commercial services are slated for Q4 2026, contingent on these approvals. Additionally, the company’s reliance on Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket for future satellite launches introduces operational risks, given delays in the rocket’s development.

The partnership also highlights AST SpaceMobile’s competitive positioning in the direct-to-device satellite market. While the company has secured key agreements, it faces challenges from established players like SpaceX, which is advancing its own satellite-based connectivity initiatives. AST SpaceMobile’s ability to scale its network—currently operating five BlueBird satellites, with plans to deploy up to 60 by late 2026—will be critical to maintaining market relevance. The recent share price volatility, coupled with a 270% year-to-date gain, reflects both optimism about the company’s strategic momentum and underlying uncertainties in the sector.

In summary, the stc Group deal represents a strategic milestone for AST SpaceMobile, expanding its reach into the MENA region and reinforcing its technology’s potential to transform mobile connectivity. However, the stock’s recent decline underscores the importance of regulatory clarity, infrastructure execution, and competitive dynamics in shaping investor sentiment. As the company moves toward commercial operations, stakeholders will closely monitor progress in satellite deployment, regulatory approvals, and the broader adoption of direct-to-device services.