Verizon Communications, Inc. VZ demonstrated significant advancements in satellite-to-cellular connectivity in collaboration with AST SpaceMobile ASTS. AST SpaceMobile is steadily developing a space-based cellular broadband network to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on its extensive IP and patent portfolio.

In Mid-2024, Verizon formed a strategic partnership with ASTS to deliver direct-to-cellular service across the country for the former’s customers. Verizon pledged $100 million in this venture. The deal aims to target 100% coverage across the U.S. leveraging Verizon’s industry-leading terrestrial network, multi-operator premium 850 MHz cellular spectrum and ASTS powerful commercial communication arrays in low earth orbits.

In January 2025, ASTS secured Special Temporary Authority from the Federal Communications Commission. This authorized ASTS to use its commercial BlueBird satellites to test smartphones connected to satellite networks for voice, video applications and other native cellular broadband capabilities. In the recent venture, Verizon and ASTS have successfully completed a video call between two mobile devices with one device connected to the former’s terrestrial network connection and the other connected to the satellite network.

Will This Venture Drive VZ’s Share Performance?

Despite rapid 5G expansion, a vast portion of the United States is still outside of the network coverage area. Geographical challenges and sparsely populated areas make it economically unviable to deploy network connectivity for service providers. Moreover, poor connectivity and dead zones remained a major issue in many urban locations as well. Verizon is aiming to combine its extensive terrestrial network infrastructure with ASTS’ capabilities to develop the fastest satellite-to-device network that brings seamless text, voice and video calling capabilities for consumers across the country.

Verizon’s major competitor T-Mobile, US, Inc. is also working with Starlink to develop advanced direct-to-cell technology. The company recently launched a beta program for its direct-to-cell service. Amid this development, collaboration with AST SpaceMobile will strengthen Verizon’s position in the emerging market of satellite connectivity.

VZ Stock’s Price Movement

Shares of Verizon have gained 3.3% in the past year compared with the industry’s growth of 41.8%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

VZ’s Zacks Rank & Key Picks

Verizon currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). 

Some better-ranked stocks in the broader industry have been discussed below.

InterDigital IDCC sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

In the trailing four quarters, it delivered an earnings surprise of 158.41%. It is a pioneer in advanced mobile technologies that enable wireless communications and capabilities. The company designs and develops a wide range of advanced technology solutions, used in digital cellular, wireless 3G, 4G and IEEE 802-related products and networks.

Akamai Technologies, Inc. AKAM currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). AKAM delivered an earnings surprise of 2.69%, on average, in the trailing four quarters. The company’s solutions accelerate and improve the delivery of content over the Internet, enabling faster response to requests for web pages, streaming of video & audio, business applications, etc. Its offerings are intended to reduce the impact of traffic congestion, bandwidth constraints and capacity limitations on customers.

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report

Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Akamai Technologies, Inc. (AKAM) : Free Stock Analysis Report

InterDigital, Inc. (IDCC) : Free Stock Analysis Report

AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (ASTS) : Free Stock Analysis Report

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research