Verizon explains its switcheroo in the satellite space wars

At the beginning of 2024, Verizon executives were skeptical about the direct-to-device (D2D) market, uninterested in using their spectrum for a satellite-based service. Now, Verizon is bragging about how it will be the first mobile carrier to commercially launch smartphone connectivity on Skylo’s non-terrestrial satellite network and be the first mobile carrier to launch a commercial D2D service offering. Not only that, but it’s made a $100 million investment in AST SpaceMobile, which will use 850 MHz spectrum from Verizon (and AT&T) to offer a D2D service. And it’s talking up its ability to use Skylo’s satellite IoT technology to enable farmers to track cattle and monitor soil quality. What changed? The company found the right partner, in AST SpaceMobile.