AST SpaceMobile - feedback/comment on this bet?
I would like some feedback regarding a gambling move I'm about to take re: AST SpaceMobile (NYSE:ASTS). I'm very tempted to dump a small amount of play money outside my "safe" investments into ASTS. I'm hoping someone with an engineering/telecommunication background could help me out here to make sure it's not another Theranos. However all comments are welcome as it never hurts to have an extra pair of fresh eyes on things.
Background:
https://transhumanica.com/asts
https://seekingalpha.com/article/441791 ... binary-bet
TL; DR version:
So, your thoughts on this lose it all or 20 ~ 100x return bet?
Background:
https://transhumanica.com/asts
https://seekingalpha.com/article/441791 ... binary-bet
TL; DR version:
- Broadband internet to cellphone is currently transmitted either by ground towers (various telecom co.) or by satellite (Starlink)
- ASTS is developing tech to deliver internet to regular smart phone using satellite. Unlike Iridium, they don’t need expensive satellite phone. Unlike Starlink they don’t need any satellite dish.
- They are complementary - not competitive - with traditional cell phone providers. Rather than try and offer a stand-alone cell phone network, AST SpaceMobile will be offered as an upgrade to customers on existing networks from major providers including AT&T (T), Vodafone (VOD), Telefonica (TEF), Liberty Latin America (LILA), and many others.
- They are offering internet access to places where building ground telecom towers are not economically viable. In theory the system could reach almost any surface in the world.
- No guarantee the tech will work at scale; similarly no guarantee it will be commercially viable. However the tech look promising: AST launched a BlueWalker-1 satellite in April 2019 to test their technology, and proved it could establish a link directly to cellphones. (As a layperson I’m completely out of my elements here)
So, your thoughts on this lose it all or 20 ~ 100x return bet?