AST SpaceMobile Inc. and stc group have announced the signing of a 10-year commercial agreement to provide space-based cellular broadband connectivity in Saudi Arabia and selected markets in the Middle East and Africa. Under the agreement, stc group has committed to a $175 million prepayment for future services and a significant long-term commercial revenue commitment. AST SpaceMobile will integrate its satellite technology with stc's terrestrial infrastructure, aiming to provide 4G and 5G mobile services directly to standard smartphones without the need for specialized devices. The agreement includes the construction of three ground gateways and a Network Operations Center in Riyadh to support network operations. This partnership is intended to expand mobile coverage to remote and underserved areas, supporting digital inclusion and economic development in the region.