What the CEOs of AST SpaceMobile and Globalstar are saying about the satellite industry today

Core Insights - The satellite-to-cellular race is characterized by two distinct approaches from AST SpaceMobile and Globalstar, both targeting 2026 as a pivotal year for growth [2] AST SpaceMobile - CEO Abel Avellan claims AST SpaceMobile is the only company capable of delivering 4G, 5G, and future 6G broadband speeds directly to unmodified devices [3] - The BlueBird 6 satellite array is noted as the largest commercial communication array ever deployed, with Block 2 satellites being 3.5 times larger and 10 times the capacity of previous models [3] - Q4 2025 revenue reached $54.30 million, exceeding estimates by 28.56% and showing a year-over-year growth of 2,731% [4] - Full-year 2025 revenue was $70.92 million, with 2026 guidance projected between $150 million and $200 million, and a long-term view of approaching $1 billion in annual revenue by 2027 [4] - The company aims to have 45 to 60 satellites in orbit by the end of 2026, with launches planned every one to two months [5] - The stock has increased by approximately 200% over the past year but has seen a 14% pullback recently due to market reactions to capital intensity [5] Globalstar - CEO Paul Jacobs emphasizes a different strategy focused on profitable cash generation and spectrum assets, contrasting with AST SpaceMobile's aggressive satellite deployment [6] - Globalstar reported full-year 2025 revenue of $273 million, achieving a 50% adjusted EBITDA margin [6] - Both companies are targeting 2026 as their inflection year, but with differing operational focuses [6]