AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (ASTS) saw its stock price soar 5.06% during intraday trading on Monday. The significant upward movement reflects heightened investor interest in the satellite communications company.

The surge follows an announcement that French telecommunications leader Orange has entered a partnership with AST SpaceMobile and Satellite Connect Europe, a joint venture between AST and Vodafone, to advance direct-to-cell satellite connectivity. This technology allows standard smartphones to connect to satellites without specialized hardware, expanding coverage in areas with limited terrestrial infrastructure.

Under the agreement, the partners plan to conduct demonstrations covering voice, SMS, and data services in Romania in the second half of 2026. The collaboration adds AST SpaceMobile to Orange's multi-vendor satellite strategy and supports the company's goal of expanding satellite-to-smartphone services across Europe and its African markets.