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MSCI Inc. announced on Tuesday that satellite communications company AST SpaceMobile Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS) has been added to its widely tracked MSCI All Country World Index (MSCI ACWI), marking a significant milestone for the Starlink rival. AST SpaceMobile was the largest of 63 new companies added to the global equity benchmark, while 61 securities were removed as part of MSCI’s latest index rebalancing.
The MSCI ACWI Index, which tracks large- and mid-cap stocks across developed and emerging markets, is closely followed by global investors and index funds. Inclusion in the index often acts as a catalyst for increased institutional demand, improved liquidity, and greater visibility among Wall Street investors. Alongside AST SpaceMobile, the three largest additions by market capitalization were Coherent Inc. (NYSE: COHR) and FTAI Aviation Ltd. (NASDAQ: FTAI).
Following the announcement, AST shares edged up 0.2% in after-hours trading on Tuesday, despite having declined nearly 5.7% during the regular session. Market volatility around the stock has intensified in recent weeks, driven in part by competitive developments in the satellite broadband space. Shares have experienced sharp swings after SpaceX, the owner of Starlink, signaled plans to pursue an initial public offering later this year. Analysts expect that additional funding from a potential IPO could significantly strengthen Starlink’s satellite internet capabilities, increasing competition for AST SpaceMobile.
AST SpaceMobile operates in the fast-growing space-based cellular broadband network sector, a niche with relatively few players. The company aims to deliver direct-to-cell satellite connectivity, allowing standard mobile phones to access broadband services without terrestrial infrastructure. AST has already secured strategic partnerships with major U.S. telecommunications providers, including AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) and Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ), to roll out satellite-based cellular services nationwide.
As global demand for seamless connectivity continues to rise, AST SpaceMobile’s inclusion in the MSCI ACWI Index underscores its growing importance in the satellite communications industry and could help attract long-term investor interest heading into 2026.
