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Starlink eyes 80,000 cell sites and MNOs sell off. Anpanman breaks down what it means for AST SpaceMobile ($ASTS) and direct-to-cell. In this episode, Anpanman reacts to news that SpaceX is exploring a terrestrial network and talking to Crown Castle about roughly 80,000 cell sites. He explains why carriers and the ASTS stock sold off, and why he argues the news makes AST SpaceMobile more strategically important as the satellite counter to Starlink. He also covers spectrum, including C-band and the lack of low band, and why satellite coverage is becoming table stakes for every MNO. Anpanman then walks through the international picture: the European joint venture of Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefonica and Vodafone, a possible push for S-band spectrum, and three regional Brazilian operators with 700 MHz commercial agreements. He also covers Claro, Tim and Vivo, the Rakuten visit to Midland, the J-LEO joint venture, and a Scotiabank upgrade of ASTS. Finally, Anpanman looks at Amazon and Globalstar, T-Mobile's Starlink partnership as a business case study, a possible Deutsche Telekom and T-Mobile merger, and why SpaceX buying a carrier would face FCC and DOJ hurdles. 00:00 Introduction 00:16 MNOs sell off on SpaceX terrestrial network news 01:04 Crown Castle talks and 80,000 cell sites 01:34 Spectrum, C-band and cable's WiFi failure 03:27 Why ASTS is the strategic counter 04:51 Satellite becomes table stakes for MNOs 08:12 Europe and Brazil opportunity 09:27 Risk-off market and record short interest 10:45 SpaceX economics of a terrestrial buildout 14:13 Rakuten tweet controversy 14:50 Scotiabank upgrades ASTS 18:04 Rakuten visit to Midland and J-LEO 22:43 European joint venture and S-band spectrum 24:48 Brazil regional operators and 700 MHz 27:30 Claro, Tim and Vivo 29:26 Amazon and Globalstar 31:15 T-Mobile's Starlink own goal 33:22 Deutsche Telekom and T-Mobile merger 36:54 Could SpaceX buy an MNO? 40:03 Closing thoughts and conviction 🎙️ Catch all episodes on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u6rTxenTvGw4STNbjswAk 👋 Connect with the host on X: https://x.com/spacanpanman 👕 Get the Gear: https://spacemob.printify.me/ #astspacemobile #Starlink #Rakuten

AST SpaceMobile ASTS stock sells off with the whole space sector. Anpanman breaks down the macro, launch timing, and Starlink news. Anpanman discusses a brutal day for ASTS stock, as rates, oil at a 12-year high, Iran headlines, and a violent rotation out of momentum and growth hit every space name. He explains why Rocket Lab, Planet Labs, and the neo-clouds are all down together, and why the drawdown since May looks macro-driven rather than company-specific. He also covers SpaceX earnings, neo-cloud CapEx risk, and the SpaceX lockup expiry. The episode then turns to investor psychology and risk management. Anpanman walks through what would have happened if you sold AST SpaceMobile at $130, why most people would have bought back lower, and the 50-70% drawdown test every holder should run. He also recaps the European MNO press releases, the commitment to initial direct-to-cell service in 5 markets by year end, and the 3 satellites waiting at Cape Canaveral for a launch date. Finally, Anpanman looks at the launch landscape, including SpaceX, Blue Origin, and ULA returning to service, and what that means for the satellite buildout. He closes with the Wall Street Journal report that Trump called Musk to lift Starlink limits in Ukraine, why that strengthens the case for sovereign and diversified suppliers, and his own lessons from 2008 on protecting your mental health. 00:00 Introduction 00:08 Rates, Treasuries and AI credit crowding 01:38 Iran headlines and oil at a 12-year high 02:53 Factor moves: momentum vs value 03:28 SpaceX earnings, neo-cloud risk and lockup 06:19 The drawdown since May 08:35 Friend asks if something bad is coming 10:14 European MNO press releases and 5-market service 12:09 Planet Labs down 75% 16:56 What if you had sold the top in May? 21:12 The 50-70% drawdown test 25:39 Space names down today 26:23 Weathering the storm: hold, buy or sell 29:37 Launch date watch: 3 satellites at the Cape 32:11 SpaceX anti-competitive risk and regulators 34:47 Blue Origin and ULA return to service 39:38 Live Q&A 48:45 Trump, Musk and Starlink in Ukraine 56:06 Lessons from 2008 🎙️ Catch all episodes on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u6rTxenTvGw4STNbjswAk 👋 Connect with the host on X: https://x.com/spacanpanman 👕 Get the Gear: https://spacemob.printify.me/ #astspacemobile #ASTS #SpaceStocks

AST SpaceMobile's new PR sets intermittent broadband in 5 markets by end of 2026. Anpanman breaks down what it means for ASTS. In this episode, Anpanman covers the latest AST SpaceMobile press release and the market backdrop driving the ASTS stock price. He compares ASTS to the NeoCloud names, explains why Rocket Lab trades better right now, and walks through the hedge fund pair trade of long SpaceX against short AT&T and Verizon. He also looks at the Starlink Mobile timeline and the spectrum it can realistically deploy. The core of the episode is the PR itself: initial intermittent direct-to-cell broadband in the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia before year end 2026, 60 gateways deployed or in planning, and about 100 MHz of spectrum targeted in the US. Anpanman explains why he thinks the timing, just ahead of SpaceX earnings and a wave of MNO earnings, was deliberate. He also covers the pressure on T-Mobile and other carriers, the European Satellite Connect Europe structure, and how the FCC and other regulators are affected. The Q&A covers what 10 by 10 MHz of spectrum means, hedge fund deleveraging and positioning, the timing of the next satellite launch from Cape Canaveral, and the shift toward mid-band Bluebirds in satellite production. 00:00 Introduction 00:26 Market Volatility and NeoCloud Selloff 01:40 ASTS vs NeoClouds 03:13 Why Rocket Lab Trades Better 05:15 The Hedge Fund Pair Trade 07:45 SpaceX Starlink Mobile Timeline 13:21 Breaking Down Today's PR 17:25 Timing Ahead of MNO Earnings 19:41 What MNO Testing Signals 21:55 Pressure on Global MNO Partners and T-Mobile 27:04 Europe Spectrum Co and Satellite Connect Europe 30:54 Coverage Cells Milestone 32:28 Regulators Put on Notice 35:06 US Spectrum Disclosure 38:27 What Comes Next for MNO Earnings 40:16 Q&A: 10 by 10 Spectrum Explained 42:15 Q&A: Deleveraging and Positioning 44:25 Q&A: Launch Timing 45:36 Q&A: Satellite Production 🎙️ Catch all episodes on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u6rTxenTvGw4STNbjswAk 👋 Connect with the host on X: https://x.com/spacanpanman 👕 Get the Gear: https://spacemob.printify.me/ #astspacemobile #Starlink #DirectToCell

Europe's Big 4 telcos just formed a JV to bid on MSS spectrum in May 2027. What it means for AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) and Starlink. Anpanman breaks down the joint venture announced by Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefonica and Vodafone to pursue S-band spectrum for advanced direct-to-cell service in Europe. He explains how the 60 MHz currently held by Viasat and EchoStar is likely to be split into three buckets, and why the venture is built around European sovereignty. He also covers why the announcement is a big deal for ASTS stock, with Deutsche Telekom now publicly acknowledged as an AST SpaceMobile partner. The discussion then moves to sovereignty and satellite architecture. Anpanman compares AST's bent-pipe design, where data lands in the same country it originates in, with Starlink's roaming network model and the Ukraine controversy. He also looks at how regulators, the US ambassador, Amazon, Globalstar and the Viasat-backed Equatys JV fit into the picture. In the live Q&A, Anpanman answers questions on a possible T-Mobile MOU, the EchoStar spectrum deal, antitrust limits on SpaceX launches, and why AST stays low-profile in the press release. He also explains how a separate spectrum company and satellite company could be structured, and gives a quick update on satellites at the Cape and in Midland. 00:00 Introduction 00:54 Market Crash Fears and Crypto Futures 02:46 The Verge on Starlink vs Mobile Operators 04:22 Sovereignty and Bent-Pipe Architecture 06:03 Ukraine and the Starlink Control Debate 09:34 Europe's Big 4 Form a Spectrum Joint Venture 10:56 How the S-Band Spectrum Gets Split in 2027 13:51 Will Starlink Get an Allocation? 16:33 Why AST's MNO Partnership Model Wins 21:41 Amazon, Globalstar and Architecture Risks 26:21 Why the JV Leaves the Satellite Partner Open 29:14 Viasat and Equatys JV vs AST 30:51 Deutsche Telekom Confirmed as an AST Partner 34:34 AST's Press Release and Executive Quote 42:15 Audience Q&A Begins 47:25 EchoStar and European Spectrum Risk 49:22 Antitrust and Launch Questions 54:05 Why AST Stays Low-Profile 57:31 Spectrum Co vs Sat Co Structure 1:00:38 Satellite Update and Wrap-Up 🎙️ Catch all episodes on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u6rTxenTvGw4STNbjswAk 👋 Connect with the host on X: https://x.com/spacanpanman 👕 Get the Gear: https://spacemob.printify.me/ #astspacemobile #DeutscheTelekom #Starlink

AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) dipped under $40 on margin calls. Anpanman breaks down the macro, leverage, and why the thesis hasn't changed. Anpanman walks through a brutal week for ASTS stock and the wider space sector, tying the selloff to a hot CPI print, rising rates, neocloud stress (CoreWeave CDS near 1180), and forced deleveraging. He explains why the space sector looks derated, how margin calls cascade, and why Rocket Lab's Neutron delay hit sentiment across space names. Anpanman then re-underwrites the AST SpaceMobile thesis: Bluebird 11 unfolded successfully, the strategic backdrop for direct-to-cell has improved with Starlink entering the MNO fight, and Deutsche Telekom's CEO is warning other carriers off Starlink. He covers Ligado spectrum, FCC and Department of War timing, the MNO CapEx savings story, and SpaceX's AI compute and Falcon 9/Starship tradeoffs. The episode closes with practical advice on avoiding margin and options in high-beta names, taking profits, and protecting your mental health. Anpanman also answers live questions on funding runway for 100 satellites, strategic investment, Blue Origin New Glenn, and Ligado valuation. 00:00 Introduction 01:01 CPI selloff and market recap 01:24 Neocloud stress and CoreWeave CDS 02:40 Space sector derated as rates rise 06:39 Deleveraging and AST under $40 07:12 Rocket Lab Neutron delay and tribalism 09:42 Why options are tough in this macro 12:15 Management at the mercy of the market 15:40 Ligado and SpaceX deal rumors 19:50 What has actually changed for AST 20:51 Starlink, Deutsche Telekom and MNOs 22:04 MNO CapEx savings and FCC hybrid rules 24:40 Leverage horror stories 29:22 SpaceX, Falcon 9 and Starship 35:44 Playing defensively and taking profits 41:20 Q&A: funding runway 43:49 Q&A: Ligado valuation and approval 45:24 Closing message 🎙️ Catch all episodes on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u6rTxenTvGw4STNbjswAk 👋 Connect with the host on X: https://x.com/spacanpanman 👕 Get the Gear: https://spacemob.printify.me/ #astspacemobile #ASTS #RocketLab

ASTS stock sold off after SpaceX bought spectrum. Kook explains why it may be good news for AST SpaceMobile's direct-to-cell plan. Kook breaks down a brutal week for ASTS stock, where leveraged traders got hammered by a momentum selloff, a delayed Blue Origin, and confusion around SpaceX. He argues that SpaceX buying low-band spectrum and pivoting to a B2C Starlink mobile strategy removes it as a B2B competitor to AST SpaceMobile. Along the way, Kook covers the State Department's J-LEO announcement with Rakuten, Brazil spectrum, Elon's fight with India, and why data sovereignty could favor ASTS internationally. The discussion then turns to the major U.S. carriers. Kook covers the so-called non-Elon club JV, T-Mobile distancing itself from Starlink, One New Zealand's possible switch, and Tim Farrar's view on the delays SpaceX now faces. He also compares the Starship launch math against the 243-satellite ASTS constellation, notes the FCC's spectrum moves for supplemental coverage from space, and looks at the SDA test and Golden Dome angle. The episode closes with New Glenn returning to the pad and why the market sometimes gets it wrong. 00:00 Introduction 00:21 Last Week's Horror Show for ASTS 01:39 Leverage Pain and the Drawdown 03:32 Weekend Diligence and Code Red Update 05:15 Satellites Arrive at the Cape 06:38 State Department Highlights J-LEO and Rakuten 10:50 The Control the Narrative Rant 14:00 Brazil Spectrum Win 15:24 Elon vs India and Data Sovereignty 18:09 SpaceX Buys Low-Band Spectrum 24:48 Did ASTS Miss the Spectrum? 27:48 Can Starlink Mobile Compete With the MNOs? 33:22 Analysts Weigh In 35:43 Tim Farrar and the Starship Launch Math 39:12 The Non-Elon Club JV 40:28 T-Mobile Distances Itself From SpaceX 45:32 FCC Moves and the Physics Advantage 48:35 New Glenn Returns to the Pad 50:41 When the Market Gets It Wrong 🎙️ Catch all episodes on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u6rTxenTvGw4STNbjswAk 👋 Connect with the host on X: https://x.com/thekookreport 👕 Get the Gear: https://spacemob.printify.me/ #astspacemobile #SpaceX #TMobile

SpaceX buys Grain Management spectrum - why Anpanman says it's bullish for AST SpaceMobile ($ASTS) and locks in the carriers. In this episode, Anpanman reacts to the news that SpaceX is acquiring Grain Management's low-band spectrum, alongside a major FCC order released the same day. He explains why the deal looks negative for AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile at first glance, but strengthens the strategic case for AST SpaceMobile. The ASTS stock knee-jerk reaction, the carriers' after-hours selloff and what SpaceX's plan to become a fourth mobile network operator means for the direct-to-cell race are all covered. Anpanman breaks down the FCC order opening up around 480 MHz of carrier spectrum for satellite direct-to-device use, and how the Telco JV fits in. He also covers the antitrust angle, T-Mobile's awkward position with Starlink and why a definitive AST agreement could come sooner than expected. The global picture includes sovereign satellite concerns, Japan and Europe, and Amazon, Globalstar and Iridium as alternatives. The second half is a live Q&A on Grain's likely price, SpaceX's low-band timeline, launch updates including Blue Origin and Falcon 9, and whether the Telco JV should invest in AST. 00:00 Introduction 00:45 SpaceX acquires Grain Management spectrum 02:59 Carriers plus AST vs Starlink 04:26 Why not Amazon or Globalstar 05:40 FCC order opens carrier spectrum for direct-to-device 06:58 The Telco JV explained 09:01 T-Mobile and Starlink's awkward relationship 10:44 Antitrust review and JV pricing concerns 13:55 T-Mobile lock-in and carrier stock selloff 16:02 Global sovereignty and Starlink as an operator 20:54 Why SpaceX didn't buy an existing carrier 27:24 Launch updates and Falcon 9 bookings 29:39 Live Q&A begins 33:23 What was Grain's asking price 37:11 Is AST too late vs Starlink low-band 38:36 Biggest win and loss for AST 40:16 Will a T-Mobile announcement come soon 42:24 AST's competitive advantage vs Amazon and Iridium 44:25 Should the JV invest in AST 46:49 Closing thoughts 🎙️ Catch all episodes on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u6rTxenTvGw4STNbjswAk 👋 Connect with the host on X: https://x.com/spacanpanman 👕 Get the Gear: https://spacemob.printify.me/ #astspacemobile #SpaceX #TMobile

T-Mobile scrubbed Starlink from its T-Satellite site. AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) news: Canada, the State Dept and Japan's $1B J-LEO. In this episode, Anpanman breaks down why T-Mobile removing Starlink references from its T-Satellite website right after the carrier joint venture with AT&T and Verizon is such a big strategic signal for AST SpaceMobile. He covers T-Mobile's history with Starlink and spectrum, and why AST's wholesale direct-to-cell model leaves customer acquisition, billing, and spectrum to the carriers. Anpanman then looks at Canada, where Telus completed integration testing with AST SpaceMobile, and at whether Rogers will move away from Starlink. He also covers the US State Department joint statement with Japan that named Rakuten and AST SpaceMobile, the $1B sovereign J-LEO satellite constellation, and how it could tie into Golden Dome, defense, sensing, electronic warfare, and PNT. The episode wraps with listener Q&A on Canadian market share, the J-LEO joint venture status, and how many more ASTS stock offerings may be needed before service starts. Anpanman also discusses possible non-dilutive funding, a possible US government stake, production capacity, and the book The Kill Chain. 00:00 Introduction 00:42 T-Mobile scrubs Starlink from T-Satellite site 01:23 T-Mobile history and the Starlink spectrum deal 04:40 T-Mobile joins the AT&T and Verizon JV 06:31 AST's super wholesaler model 09:10 Why T-Mobile's shift matters 11:32 Canada: Telus integration testing 12:34 Rogers, Starlink and Lynk 14:43 Ligado spectrum and Block 3 BlueBirds 15:07 State Department US-Japan announcement 17:59 Rakuten J-LEO sovereign constellation 19:22 The Kill Chain and Golden Dome 23:54 Production capacity and government demand 25:51 Electronic warfare, sensing and PNT 29:24 Q&A: Canadian market share 31:03 J-LEO approval and JV status 33:02 Dilution and funding outlook 38:57 Closing thoughts 🎙️ Catch all episodes on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u6rTxenTvGw4STNbjswAk 👋 Connect with the host on X: https://x.com/spacanpanman 👕 Get the Gear: https://spacemob.printify.me/ #astspacemobile #TMobile #Rakuten

AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 11 came in nominal and batch 3 is in orbit. Kook breaks down the ASTS T-Mobile deal bet and more. Kook opens by reacting to the news that BlueBird 11 was nominal, walking through the competing theories about whether the satellite was stuck and why the deployment record for AST SpaceMobile stays perfect. He argues the flawless execution reflects a military-grade approach to testing and reliability, and covers the launch of batch 3 (BlueBirds 14, 15 and 16) on another SpaceX flight, with more launches expected soon. Kook then lays out why he believes a T-Mobile deal is imminent, pointing to the completed MNO joint venture, T-Mobile scrubbing Starlink content from its website, new FCC filings, Grain spectrum, and the Ligado docket. He also explains why he sees Viasat and other would-be direct-to-cell competitors as lacking the people, prime contractors, designs and regulatory approvals to compete with ASTS. The episode wraps with Sirius XM's COO joining the company, the vertical opportunity of tracking cows over direct-to-cell, satellites in the military kill chain, M&A hiring, and how ASTS stock has returned about 35% a year since the SPAC despite a 90% drawdown. 00:00 Introduction and sound check 00:38 BlueBird 11 nominal reaction 01:43 Perfect deployment record 04:01 The Kill Chain and military-grade assets 06:54 Abel's execution and team 08:56 Batch 3 launch BlueBird 14-16 10:54 Delays and the retail investor 12:31 Why competitors lack people 15:15 MNO joint venture and T-Mobile bet 17:19 T-Mobile scrubs Starlink 18:47 Mongolia and bear claims 21:22 Tracking cows and vertical TAM 24:57 Sirius XM COO joins ASTS 27:14 Spectrum, FCC and Ligado/Grain 30:03 Viasat leadership concerns 31:52 Iridium and Ligado docket 33:11 Satellites and the kill chain 36:18 M&A hiring and SpaceX 38:49 ASTS returns since the SPAC 40:30 Closing and stablecoin research 🎙️ Catch all episodes on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u6rTxenTvGw4STNbjswAk 👋 Connect with the host on X: https://x.com/thekookreport 👕 Get the Gear: https://spacemob.printify.me/ #astspacemobile #TMobile #BlueBird

AST SpaceMobile ASTS: Anpanman breaks down the AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile telco JV and B. Riley's $85 to $65 downgrade. Anpanman digs into the newly announced joint venture between AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile and explains why he believes it squarely fits AST SpaceMobile and was formed to counter Starlink. He covers the pooling of scarce low-band spectrum, open standards versus proprietary networks, the regulatory path through the DOJ and FCC, and why direct-to-cell competitors like Amazon and Iridium don't fit the JV's model. Next, Anpanman reviews the new Chief Commercial Officer hire, Wayne Thorson, and goes point by point through the B. Riley downgrade of ASTS stock. Topics include satellite count and capex, spectrum needs in Europe and the US, GRAIN Management's 800 MHz spectrum, the 1.6 GHz FCC push, and pricing pressure from the Viasat and Space42 Equitas JV. The episode wraps with a live Q&A covering Iridium's FCC opposition, New Glenn launch concerns, the J-LEO and Rakuten JV, and Anpanman's speculation on the Bluebird 14, 15 and 16 Falcon 9 launch window. 00:00 Introduction 00:46 Telco JV Announcement Overview 02:20 JV Built to Counter Starlink 06:43 Pooling Low-Band Spectrum 10:35 Open Competition and Regulatory Language 14:23 Open Standards and Bent-Pipe Architecture 17:37 Starlink, Amazon, and Iridium Proprietary Networks 21:12 Buyer Cartel Fears and Pricing 28:20 DOJ Second Request and Timeline 29:26 New CCO Wayne Thorson 37:05 B. Riley Downgrade Breakdown 42:39 Spectrum: Europe, GRAIN, and 1.6 GHz 50:42 Equitas and Pricing Pressure 59:40 Starlink Competition and Distribution 1:04:48 Q&A: IoT, Catalysts, and Acquisition 1:09:12 Iridium FCC Opposition 1:13:18 New Glenn Launch Questions 1:19:48 J-LEO and Rakuten JV 1:24:51 Bluebirds 14-16 Launch Speculation 🎙️ Catch all episodes on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u6rTxenTvGw4STNbjswAk 👋 Connect with the host on X: https://x.com/spacanpanman 👕 Get the Gear: https://spacemob.printify.me/ #astspacemobile #TelcoJV #BRiley

AST SpaceMobile's Bluebirds 14-16 are shipped and Bluebird 11 unfolded. Anpanman breaks down the ASTS news and launch window. In this episode, Anpanman covers confirmation that the Bluebird 14, 15 and 16 satellites have shipped, and that the Bluebird 11 phased array unfolded successfully. He explains why the company may have delayed its PR, why it should keep the details of the unfolding private, and why AST SpaceMobile has a perfect record for satellites that reached orbit. Anpanman also looks at the expected Falcon 9 launch timing for this batch of direct-to-cell satellites. The discussion then turns to the ASTS stock price. Anpanman argues that 30-year rates matching 2002 highs and the war are driving space stocks like Rocket Lab and Planet Labs, not company execution. He also covers Abel's meeting with FCC Chair Carr on 6 GHz spectrum and a possible 1600 MHz auction that would fit with Ligado, and he names a T-Mobile definitive agreement as a major potential catalyst. Anpanman closes with a look at Block 2 engineering and the composite ring redesign, plus how Block 3 and Starlink V2 direct-to-cell compare. He also reflects on community FUD, critics tied to Viasat and the Ligado timeline, and why position sizing matters and options and margin are risky in a volatile name. 00:00 Introduction 00:34 Why the company delayed the PR 01:33 Bluebird 11 unfolding confirmed 03:10 Why details should stay proprietary 05:44 Perfect record and Bluebird 7 06:16 Rates and space stocks move together 08:11 Abel meets FCC Chair Carr on spectrum 10:39 Upcoming catalysts and T-Mobile 12:03 Falcon 9 launch timing and manifest 13:35 FUD and community behavior 17:45 Defending Abel and management 21:44 Getting it right beats moving fast 24:08 Block 2 engineering and the composite ring 27:35 Block 3 and Starlink V2 comparison 30:56 Position sizing and options risk 41:06 Critics, Viasat and the Ligado timeline 47:57 Falcon 9 fairing claims debunked 49:46 Government awards and closing thoughts 🎙️ Catch all episodes on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u6rTxenTvGw4STNbjswAk 👋 Connect with the host on X: https://x.com/spacanpanman 👕 Get the Gear: https://spacemob.printify.me/ #astspacemobile #ASTS #Bluebird11

AST SpaceMobile's new 8-K adds change-of-control severance. Anpanman breaks down what it means for ASTS stock and a possible deal. In this episode, Anpanman digs into the AST SpaceMobile 8-K filed after the close, which sets up double-trigger change-of-control severance for senior executives. He explains how these packages work and why boards adopt them. He also covers why he sees this filing as off-cycle rather than routine housekeeping, and how the Iridium and Rocket Lab timeline offers a real precedent. Along the way he points to the hire of Ozzy Ramos and the Adriana Cisneros open-market share purchase as context. Anpanman then walks through who might be talking to AST SpaceMobile about direct-to-cell partnerships, joint ventures, or strategic investments. The list includes T-Mobile, Google, Meta, Microsoft, Blue Origin, and Amazon. He also explains why Abel's high-vote shares make a sale unlikely for ASTS stock in the near term, and what price range a buyer might need to consider given spectrum value and industry comps like Globalstar, Iridium, and Viasat. The Q&A covers a possible Blue Origin reverse merger, unusual call option flow, data sovereignty concerns, and the satellite production delays. Anpanman also shares his view that BlueBird 14, 15, and 16 are being shipped to Florida, with launches possible in October and November. 00:00 Introduction 00:07 Change of control severance and double triggers explained 02:31 Why companies put these plans in place 04:15 8-Ks as an event-driven research signal 06:48 Abel's high-vote control and why a sale is unlikely 10:29 Why this filing looks off-cycle 12:20 Ozzy Ramos hire and his telecom and space relationships 14:42 Adriana Cisneros share purchase and materiality 17:17 Iridium and Rocket Lab precedent 23:36 Strategic talks: MNOs and joint ventures 26:32 SpaceX and Tesla vertical stack, Blue Origin, Amazon 28:59 Google, Meta, and Microsoft rationale 40:27 Q&A: Blue Origin reverse merger 42:36 Unusual call option flow 44:08 BlueBird 14-16 delays and satellite shipping 50:00 Meta and data sovereignty 53:07 Takeout price range and Globalstar, Iridium, Viasat comps 58:06 Other reasons for executive protection 1:00:08 Launch outlook and closing thoughts 🎙️ Catch all episodes on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u6rTxenTvGw4STNbjswAk 👋 Connect with the host on X: https://x.com/spacanpanman 👕 Get the Gear: https://spacemob.printify.me/ 📩 AST SpaceMobile Podcast Newsletter: https://ast-spacemobile-podcast.beehiiv.com/ #astspacemobile #ASTS #ChangeOfControl

AST SpaceMobile's BB11 satellite may be stuck or deployed - Kook digs into TLE data, maxed-out shorts, and AT&T's direct-to-cell push. Kook returns from being off the grid straight into fresh TLE data on BlueBird 11, weighing whether the satellite's array successfully unfurled, got stuck mid-deployment, or needs to be deorbited. He compares the situation to BW3's 2021 bolt issue, where a stuck deployment was fixed with new software and thermal cycling, and explains why difficulty doesn't mean disaster for AST SpaceMobile. On the ASTS stock side, Kook breaks down why short interest just hit 100% utilization, why implied volatility has collapsed, and why Reddit posting activity is a useful (if imperfect) proxy for market complacency, all while the Falcon 9 launch queue clears behind Crew Dragon traffic. He also connects the dots between AI and satellite connectivity, covering AT&T's direct-to-cell advertising push, a phone company's quote calling it the biggest thing since texting, Meta's Muse app, and why AI voice bandwidth is light enough for satellites to handle easily. Kook wraps with thoughts on Blue Origin's valuation, Canada diversifying away from SpaceX, and why he believes the space industry is becoming the next Mag-7. 00:00 Introduction and TLE data check 00:45 BB11 deployment difficulty theories 03:01 BW3's 2021 deployment issue recap 04:39 Stuck, deployed, or deorbit scenarios 05:52 Falcon 9 launch queue clearing 06:54 Short interest hits 100% utilization 07:33 Reddit and implied volatility signals 10:11 AT&T's direct-to-cell ad push 11:25 Phone company RPU growth quote 12:18 Meta's Muse app and AI flow 14:39 Is AI bandwidth-friendly for satellites? 17:06 MVNO frustrations and vertical integration 19:29 Canada diversifying away from SpaceX 21:34 Space industry as the next Mag-7 23:56 Equitus 2028 satellite mockery 26:00 Closing thoughts and TLE follow-up 🎙️ Catch all episodes on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u6rTxenTvGw4STNbjswAk 👋 Connect with the host on X: https://x.com/thekookreport 👕 Get the Gear: https://spacemob.printify.me/ 📩 AST SpaceMobile Podcast Newsletter: https://ast-spacemobile-podcast.beehiiv.com/ #astspacemobile #BlueBird11 #ShortSqueeze

AST SpaceMobile ($ASTS) sentiment is near all-time lows while short interest hits record highs - Anpanman breaks down what's next. Anpanman opens with the setup: implied volatility near all-time lows, short interest at an all-time high (65-94M shares), and sentiment washed out across Reddit and X. He argues these three ingredients, combined with looming catalysts, create the conditions for a violent rerating in ASTS stock, just like the move from $2 to $39 after the AT&T and Verizon deals. He then digs into the near-term picture for satellite production and launches, including Bluebird 11 deployment questions, batch 3 and batch 4 shipment timing, and Blue Origin's New Glenn tower stacking ahead of a possible December static fire. Anpanman also covers Golden Dome, the 800 MHz Grain spectrum decision, the US Telco JV, and why a T-Mobile and Deutsche Telekom direct-to-cell agreement could be the biggest catalyst yet. The episode wraps with a candid warning about options and leveraged ETFs like ASTX, why sizing matters more than being right on catalysts, and a live Q&A covering beta service targets, commercial service timelines, Meta rumors, and potential long-term acquirers. 00:00 Introduction 01:38 Implied volatility near all-time lows 02:56 Short interest at an all-time high 03:51 Sentiment near all-time lows and communication concerns 06:10 Why delays are part of building something hard 07:38 The washed-out setup meets upcoming catalysts 09:02 Comparing ASTS to other space stocks 11:37 Lessons from the AT&T and Verizon rerating 12:31 Golden Dome and 800 MHz spectrum from Grain 13:06 US Telco JV and T-Mobile discussions 15:09 Bluebird 11 deployment update 17:19 Why losing a satellite isn't a big deal 19:35 More catalysts: T-Mobile, Deutsche Telekom, JLEO 20:07 Blue Origin New Glenn tower stacking update 21:19 Options risk and sizing lessons 27:19 Why leveraged ETFs like ASTX are dangerous 33:49 Reflecting on the current drawdown 41:18 Q&A: beta service targets and stock price outlook 48:15 Q&A: commercial service timeline and launch cadence 50:50 Q&A: Meta rumors and potential acquirers 54:16 Q&A: T-Mobile timing and radar award 🎙️ Catch all episodes on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u6rTxenTvGw4STNbjswAk 👋 Connect with the host on X: https://x.com/spacanpanman 👕 Get the Gear: https://spacemob.printify.me/ 📩 AST SpaceMobile Podcast Newsletter: https://ast-spacemobile-podcast.beehiiv.com/ #astspacemobile #TMobile #DirectToCell

AST SpaceMobile ($ASTS) went strangely quiet at the Paris satellite conference this week - Kook breaks down why, plus the Bluebird 11 mystery. Kook opens with a candid look at retail sentiment hitting rock bottom, admitting he's been distracted by a personal stablecoin (USDe) investment while ASTS stock stays quiet. He dives deep into the Bluebird 11 satellite mystery, walking through TLE tracking data, mean motion comparisons to BW12 and BW13, and the theories around possible station-keeping testing. The episode covers the surprisingly muted Paris Air Show appearance from AST SpaceMobile, founder Abel Avellan's hands-on leadership style, and why Kook remains skeptical of Viasat's Equatus JV and its prime-contractor approach. He also unpacks the sovereignty and defense trend accelerating across Europe and Asia, Michael Pollock's comments on U.S. Space Force interest, and fresh FCC approvals for international IMT and V-band spectrum. Rounding out the discussion is a look at the Rocket Lab ATM's odd correlation with ASTS price action, a Wells Fargo forecast on Starlink subscriber growth, New Glenn's return to the pad, and why Kook believes AI data centers in space and direct-to-cell connectivity are two of the biggest long-term secular trends in the sector. 00:00 Introduction and retail sentiment check 01:00 Kook's crypto distraction and stablecoin investing 04:00 Flashback to the May 2024 ASTS run 06:00 The oddly quiet Paris conference recap 08:38 Founder engagement: Abel Avellan's couch story 11:48 Bluebird 11 station-keeping theory and TLE data 14:10 Trusting management vs the Rocket Lab correlation 17:50 The one bar problem and gray area coverage 20:56 Viasat's Equatus JV and prime contractor risk 22:44 Sovereignty and Europe's defense rearmament 24:51 Michael Pollock's Paris comments on Space Force 28:44 Batch 3 satellites and launch tracking 30:56 The poker analogy: launch capacity and cargo backlog 31:47 AI data centers in space 35:28 FCC approvals and spectrum filings 36:02 Rocket Lab ATM and options expiry theory 38:53 SpaceX and Starlink subscriber growth forecast 41:02 New Glenn's return and the launch capacity race 43:40 Closing thoughts 🎙️ Catch all episodes on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u6rTxenTvGw4STNbjswAk 👋 Connect with the host on X: https://x.com/thekookreport 👕 Get the Gear: https://spacemob.printify.me/ 📩 AST SpaceMobile Podcast Newsletter: https://ast-spacemobile-podcast.beehiiv.com/ #astspacemobile