ASTS Stock Today, January 7: Starlink Direct-to-Cell Push Pressures Rival
Starlink direct to cell is back in focus after SpaceX restarted deployments and outlined constellation moves that expand satellite-to-phone reach across 22 countries. Shares of ASTS trade near recent highs as investors weigh Starlink’s capacity ramp against AST SpaceMobile’s next BlueBird launch on Falcon 9. We break down what the new launches mean for coverage, how sentiment could shift for ASTS today, and the levels, catalysts, and risks US investors should track this week.
Starlink’s Expansion Raises the Bar for Satellite-to-Phone
SpaceX restarted Starlink deployments, adding fresh capacity to its network and supporting broader Starlink direct to cell plans. The first Starlink satellites of 2026 lifted on a new Falcon 9, signaling a return to pace and added coverage potential for mobile users. See mission details and timing here: source.
More satellites improve link margin, availability, and backhaul options for satellite to phone. This strengthens service quality and roaming across remote US regions, at sea, and in flight. SpaceX’s deployments resumed after a brief pause, which now looks resolved per live coverage and updates, adding confidence in near-term cadence: source.
A larger Starlink direct to cell footprint across 22 countries can raise switching costs for carriers and users, tightening the moat. For AST SpaceMobile, execution on BlueBird performance, roaming partners, and device compatibility will be key. The next launch and early service metrics will likely set the tone for investor sentiment and any re-rating.
ASTS Price, Trend, and Key Levels
At last close, ASTS was $90.92 with a 52-week range of $17.50 to $102.79. Momentum screens strong: RSI 66.69, ADX 28.18, and MACD positive with a 1.91 histogram. On-balance volume is rising, a constructive sign. Still, CCI 163.68 and Williams %R near overbought suggest pullback risk if news flow cools or if Starlink direct to cell headlines dominate.
Bollinger Bands span $59.70 to $94.28 with a $76.99 midline. Keltner upper is $93.27. Average true range is $8.00, implying wide daily swings. A sustained hold above $94 could invite momentum buying, while a drop below the $77 zone risks mean reversion. Traders should expect quick moves on launch updates and satellite to phone partnership news.
We are watching AST SpaceMobile’s next BlueBird on Falcon 9 and the March 2, 2026 earnings update for guidance on coverage, carrier agreements, and capital needs. Each successful step narrows the gap with Starlink direct to cell. Missed milestones or slower deployment could favor competitors and pressure the multiple.
Valuation and Street View
Street targets sit below the market. Consensus is $49.10 with a median of $46.75, high $60.00 and low $42.90. That implies downside from $90.92 unless revenue traction outpaces expectations. The setup makes delivery on launch cadence and service KPIs crucial to support a premium to targets, especially against a fast-moving Starlink direct to cell ramp.
ASTS remains pre-scale with EPS of -$1.14 and rich ratios, including price-to-sales near 5,925 and price-to-book near 20.3. Liquidity is solid with a current ratio of 8.23 and cash per share of $3.82. Low debt helps. The path forward depends on converting trials to paying traffic and managing capex without heavy dilution.
Investors want clear proof on satellite-to-phone data rates, availability, and carrier roaming that supports mass-market use. Successful BlueBird performance, expanded spectrum access, and reliable, affordable plans would support adoption. If ASTS can show consistent service quality against Starlink direct to cell, valuation risk could ease even with high multiples.
How We’d Approach the Stock
Bull case: timely BlueBird activation, strong carrier deals, and usable service in key US dead zones. Base case: mixed progress with gradual growth and volatility tied to news. Bear case: Starlink direct to cell scales faster, compressing ASTS pricing power. Align expectations with milestones and be ready to reassess on each launch or service update.
Given ATR of $8.00 and overbought readings, we would size smaller, use stop-losses near the mid-band area, and add only on confirmed catalysts. Event risk is high around launches and earnings. Keep alerts for coverage tests, carrier announcements, and any changes in SpaceX’s cadence that could affect satellite to phone demand.
Final Thoughts
SpaceX’s renewed launch pace and a wider Starlink direct to cell footprint increase the competitive bar for satellite-to-phone services. For AST SpaceMobile, the playbook is clear: execute on the next BlueBird launch, prove service quality, and convert partnerships into active traffic. The stock shows strong momentum, but overbought signals and a valuation above Street targets call for discipline. We would watch $94 on the upside and the mid-band near $77 as a risk marker. Into March 2 earnings, focus on coverage metrics, carrier traction, and capital plans. Position sizing and timely updates will matter more than headlines.
FAQs
Why is Starlink direct to cell relevant to ASTS today?
It expands satellite-to-phone coverage and capacity, raising the bar for service quality and roaming. This can influence carrier decisions and user adoption. If SpaceX scales faster, it may pressure ASTS to deliver strong BlueBird performance and clear milestones to sustain its valuation and sentiment.
What are the key ASTS levels and indicators to watch?
Watch the Bollinger upper near $94.28 and the mid-line around $76.99. RSI at 66.69 signals strong momentum, while CCI at 163.68 shows overbought risk. ATR of $8.00 suggests wide daily swings. Breaks above $94 could attract momentum traders, but failures there may trigger pullbacks.
How do analyst targets compare with the current ASTS price?
Street targets are below the market. Consensus is $49.10, median $46.75, with a high of $60.00. Versus $90.92, this implies downside unless execution beats expectations. Investors will look for BlueBird progress, carrier deals, and early service metrics to justify a premium to targets.
What near-term catalysts could move ASTS?
The next BlueBird launch on Falcon 9 is the biggest near-term driver, followed by March 2, 2026 earnings. Updates on satellite-to-phone performance, coverage tests in US regions, and new or expanded carrier agreements could move the stock. SpaceX launch cadence and capacity additions also affect competitive positioning.
Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.
