stc group, a leading digital enabler, has signed a strategic agreement with AST SpaceMobile, a U.S.-based satellite communications company, on Day 2 of the Future Investment Initiative FII9 to develop space-based telecommunications services. The global investment event, hosted at Riyadh's King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, brings together international leaders, investors, and innovators focused on unlocking new opportunities for growth.
The agreement will bring space-based wireless connectivity across Saudi Arabia and select markets in the Middle East and Africa, expanding mobile coverage to remote and underserved areas. Using AST's low Earth orbit LEO satellite network, the service will enable direct-to-device D2D mobile connectivity, allowing users to stay connected, even in areas with limited or no terrestrial network using standard mobile devices. This innovative solution will integrate seamlessly with stc group's existing mobile infrastructure, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity.
With this step, stc group becomes one of the region's first telecom operators to deliver D2D satellite connectivity. In Saudi Arabia, stc will serve as the main operator, providing services in compliance with regulations directly to stc subscribers and offering wholesale services to Mobile Network Operators MNOs and Mobile Virtual Network Operators MVNOs, The service is expected to be launched during the fourth quarter of 2026 after completing the regulatory and technical procedures.
