AST SpaceMobile Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS) is capturing the spotlight as one of the most compelling space-tech stories of 2025. With shares skyrocketing 119% in June alone and 140% year-to-date, the market is sending a clear message: investors are betting big on AST’s vision of delivering satellite-based broadband directly to smartphones — without the need for ground towers.

Russell 1000 Inclusion Fuels Rally

The surge in AST’s stock price is timed perfectly with the company’s imminent inclusion in the Russell 1000 Index following the June 28 market close. This major milestone opens the door to increased demand from passive investors, including ETFs and index funds, potentially driving further upward momentum.

AST’s stock closed at $50.84 on Friday, marking a 0.4% daily gain and hovering just shy of all-time highs. The rally marks the fourth consecutive week of double-digit gains, an unprecedented streak for the Texas-based satellite innovator.

Leader in Direct-to-Device Satellite Connectivity

As competition heats up in the race for direct-to-cell satellite services, AST is establishing itself as a market leader, ahead of private rivals like Starlink (backed by T-Mobile) and Lynk Global. According to IDC Research, the direct-to-device market is expected to grow from $554 million in 2025 to $2.7 billion by 2029, and AST is well-positioned to capitalize on that growth.

“We continue to see ASTS as the clear leader in the race,” noted B. Riley analyst Mike Crawford, highlighting the company’s rapid development and strategic partnerships.

Key Partnerships and Government Deals

A series of high-impact announcements have further fueled investor enthusiasm:

• $550M partnership with Ligado Networks, approved this week by a Delaware bankruptcy judge. The agreement grants AST access to Ligado’s mid-band spectrum — a game-changer in boosting network capacity.
  
• Strategic pact with Vodafone to deliver satellite broadband across India, one of the world’s largest mobile markets.
  
• Joint plans to launch a European satellite service alongside Vodafone, further solidifying AST’s global ambitions.
  

These deals not only validate AST’s tech but also lay the groundwork for commercial monetization and broader rollout.

Service Launch Timeline and Future Outlook

AST is targeting full seamless coverage within two years — a goal that analysts believe is fueling long-term investor confidence. The company has yet to report a profit, but the market is clearly focused on the long game.

As Crawford notes, “Government and commercial use cases are driving initial monetization, and now investors are pricing in the broader global potential.”

Final Take

AST SpaceMobile isn’t just a satellite company — it’s a potential disruptor of the entire global communications infrastructure. With major partnerships, momentum toward commercialization, and index inclusion ahead, ASTS is becoming one of the most-watched growth stories in the public markets.