How can any company be considered a competitor to Starlink while relying on SpaceX to get into LEO?
If you're relying on your competitor to enable your business model then you're not competing with them.
> In March 2022, AST SpaceMobile announced a multi-launch contract with SpaceX to launch its first BlueBird operational satellite.[35][36] AST SpaceMobile states that it will be able to produce up to six BlueBird satellites per month at two manufacturing sites in Midland, Texas.[37][38] The company has attributed delays in the deployment schedule of its operational satellites to supply chain issues and price increases.[39] In March 2023, AST SpaceMobile stated that it expects to launch the first five Block 1 BlueBird satellites in early 2024.[40]
AST SpaceMobile does not seem like they are operating a viable business model. They have been publicly traded for several years and the market seems to agree.
If you're relying on your competitor to enable your business model then you're not competing with them.
> In March 2022, AST SpaceMobile announced a multi-launch contract with SpaceX to launch its first BlueBird operational satellite.[35][36] AST SpaceMobile states that it will be able to produce up to six BlueBird satellites per month at two manufacturing sites in Midland, Texas.[37][38] The company has attributed delays in the deployment schedule of its operational satellites to supply chain issues and price increases.[39] In March 2023, AST SpaceMobile stated that it expects to launch the first five Block 1 BlueBird satellites in early 2024.[40]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AST_SpaceMobile#Deployment
AST SpaceMobile does not seem like they are operating a viable business model. They have been publicly traded for several years and the market seems to agree.