Blue Origin and 2degrees expand global satellite ground station networks

satellite communications ground stations direct-to-device space infrastructure mobile connectivity

Blue Origin has begun the global rollout of its Quartz ground communications network, designed to provide a single, integrated interface for satellite operators. The company has completed and tested its first three stations in Bermuda, New Zealand, and Australia. Blue Origin plans to deploy six additional sites by the end of the year, which will utilize larger 30-foot antennas to support a wider range of frequencies and orbits.

In New Zealand, telecommunications provider 2degrees has opened a satellite ground station in Marton in partnership with AST SpaceMobile. This facility is among the first commercial AST SpaceMobile ground stations in the world and aims to provide direct-to-device connectivity. The service is intended to allow standard 4G and 5G smartphones to access voice, data, and messaging in areas currently lacking mobile coverage. Recent trials conducted in August successfully demonstrated voice and video calls using the network.

Entities

2degrees · AST SpaceMobile · Blue Origin · Marton · Tory Bruno

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] The Marton facility is one of the first commercial AST SpaceMobile ground stations globally. www.geekzone.co.nz · www.reseller.co.nz
[○ 1 SOURCE] Blue Origin plans to install six additional ground station sites by the end of the year. www.exterrajsc.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Engineers successfully tested voice, video, and mobile data services via the network in August. www.geekzone.co.nz · www.reseller.co.nz
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Quartz network has three completed stations in Bermuda, New Zealand, and Australia. www.exterrajsc.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Blue Origin has launched the Quartz ground communications network to provide a single point of contact for satellite operators. www.exterrajsc.com
[● 2 SOURCES] 2degrees opened a satellite ground station in Marton, New Zealand, in partnership with AST SpaceMobile. www.geekzone.co.nz · www.reseller.co.nz

Sources

Ground Station Network Begins Global Rollout, With Six More Sites Planned By Year’s End [www.exterrajsc.com]

3 days ago

2degrees opens AST SpaceMobile ground station in Marton [www.geekzone.co.nz]

1 day ago

2degrees satellite services in sight as it opens AST SpaceMobile ground station [www.reseller.co.nz]

about 22 hours ago