Chris Sambar Joins AST SpaceMobile Board of Directors
Chris Sambar Joins AST SpaceMobile Board of Directors
Currently Serves as AT&T’s Head of Network
AT&T executive Chris Sambar has been named to the Board of Directors at AST SpaceMobile succeeding Alex Coleman, Chairman at New Providence Acquisition Corp. Mr. Sambar brings a lengthy career in leadership and technology to AST SpaceMobile, further strengthening the company's expertise as it prepares for its next phase of growth.
“Connectivity has become a fundamental aspect of our daily lives. AST SpaceMobile’s space-based broadband network is poised to make communication on an everyday smartphone possible in places that were previously challenging to reach on a terrestrial network.”
Chris Sambar
Sambar's appointment comes at a pivotal time for AST SpaceMobile, as the company plans to deliver its first commercial satellites to Cape Canaveral for launch into low Earth orbit this summer. His deep understanding of network infrastructure, strategy, and global markets, developed over two decades at AT&T, will be instrumental in guiding AST SpaceMobile's deployment of its revolutionary space-based cellular broadband service.
In addition to his role on the Board, Sambar will also serve as a member of AST SpaceMobile’s Network Planning and Spectrum Committee of its Board of Directors, responsible for network planning for the AST constellation including network features and capacity planning.
Sambar is currently serving as AT&T’s Head of Network. In this role, he oversees a multi-billion-dollar budget and leads the team responsible for AT&T's global network infrastructure, encompassing network technology strategy, architecture, planning, engineering, and 24/7 operations. Prior to his current position, Mr. Sambar held various leadership roles across AT&T, including Enterprise Business Sales, Public Sector Sales & Solutions - where he spearheaded the AT&T FirstNet Program, Consumer Broadband & Television, Retail & Wireless Distribution and Sales, Human Resources, and Corporate Strategy.
“Connectivity has become a fundamental aspect of our daily lives. AST SpaceMobile’s space-based broadband network is poised to make communication on an everyday smartphone possible in places that were previously challenging to reach on a terrestrial network,” Sambar said. “AST SpaceMobile has already achieved many industry firsts and has proven the real-life possibilities satellite technology can enable. I’m very much looking forward to being a part of their journey.”
Sambar's career began with a distinguished six-year active-duty stint as a Navy SEAL. He continued his military service as a reserve SEAL, deploying to Iraq. Following his service, he earned an MBA from the University of Southern California and embarked on his business career at AT&T.
“Chris is a remarkable leader with a proven track record in managing complex operations and driving innovation,” said Abel Avellan, Founder, Chairman, and CEO at AST SpaceMobile. “His deep understanding of network technology, strategy, and global markets will be invaluable to AST SpaceMobile as we prepare to bring our revolutionary space-based cellular broadband service to people everywhere.”
AST SpaceMobile has more than 3,300 patent and patent-pending claims for its technology and operates state-of-the-art, vertically integrated manufacturing and testing facilities in Midland, Texas. The company recently secured strategic investment from AT&T, Verizon, Google and Vodafone, as well as a contract award with the United States Government through a prime contractor. The company has agreements with more than 45 mobile network operators globally, which have over 2.8 billion existing subscribers in total, including Vodafone Group, Rakuten Mobile, AT&T, Bell Canada, Orange, Telefonica, TIM, Saudi Telecom Company, MTN, Zain KSA, Etisalat, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, Telkomsel, Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, Millicom, Smartfren, Telecom Argentina, Telstra, Africell, Liberty Latin America and others. Rakuten, American Tower and Bell Canada are also existing investors in AST SpaceMobile.