Kevin Chen

$ASTS: BREAKING 🚨

@Cohere_MultiG and @Bell just completed outdoor testing of Universal Spectrum Multiplier (USM), proving that integration of USM software with an existing network is possible without change to radios or antennas.

Why does this matter for @AST_SpaceMobile?

1) The testing was done on 850 MHz spectrum band, which is exactly the lowband spectrum that AST is compatible with. In fact, it's the same spectrum band that AST will be using in the US with partners @ATT and @Verizon!

2) In order to achieve this, Cohere’s USM software was located on a server next to the gNodeB module. This requires a transparent type of satellite architecture where the gNodeB module remains on the ground with the partner network. Note that this is a huge contrast to Starlink's regenerative architecture which has the gNodeB on the satellites in orbit.

3) Bell is one of AST's strategic partners: https://ast-science.com/company/strategic-partners/

4) @VodafoneGroup is a huge supporter of Cohere and has already done extensive testing with them in 2024.

5) Johan Wibergh sits on the Board of Directors of both AST and Cohere.

Ok... so?

The USM is reportedly able to boost 5G capacity by over 50% with a goal to reach 100%. This is a game-changer for spectrum efficiency and narrows the gap for a satellite direct-to-device service to achieve a level of broadband that would more closely resemble fixed-satellite-service or a terrestrial cell tower.

I have no doubt that AST will be testing Cohere with Vodafone as part of the Vodafone D2D hub opening this summer. 🤝

https://www.cohere-tech.com/press-releases/bell2025

Read more about Cohere on one of @CatSE___ApeX___'s many detailed threads!
https://x.com/CatSE___ApeX___/status/1885615667597963319