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Jabil (JBL) edges out AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) as the smarter connectivity buy right now. Jabil Inc. (JBL) and AST SpaceMobile Inc. (ASTS) are both significant players in the communications-technology ecosystem, each with exposure to next-generation infrastructure. AST SpaceMobile is building what it calls the world's first and only global cellular broadband network in space, accessible directly by standard 4G-LTE and 5G smartphones. The SpaceMobile service operates through a constellation of high-powered, large phased-array satellites in low Earth orbit, using spectrum controlled by Mobile Network Operators in areas lacking terrestrial coverage. Jabil, one of the largest global suppliers of electronics manufacturing services, offers advanced manufacturing capabilities for networking, communications, and space systems across 100 locations in 30 countries. AST SpaceMobile is reportedly on track to deploy approximately 45 BlueBird satellites in orbit by early 2027, with 13 commercial satellites already deployed in low Earth orbit. The company's technology relies on large phased array antennas measuring approximately 2,400 square feet and is backed by more than 3,800 patents and patent-pending claims. ASTS has secured partnerships with major carriers including AT&T Inc. (T) and Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ), helping to fund its worldwide satellite network and expand cellular coverage across the United States. Despite these milestones, elevated spending, rising inflation, higher interest rates, and stiff competition from SpaceX's Starlink and Globalstar continue to weigh heavily on AST SpaceMobile's financial performance. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AST SpaceMobile's 2026 sales implies year-over-year growth of 129.2%, while EPS estimates suggest a decline of 69.4%, with estimates lowered 53.4% over the past 60 days. On the other side of the ledger, Jabil's management is focused on improving working capital management and integrating sophisticated AI and ML capabilities to enhance the efficiency of its internal processes. Jabil's top line is expected to benefit from strength in AI data center infrastructure, capital equipment, and warehouse automation markets, with 5G wireless and cloud computing adoption providing long-term tailwinds. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for JBL's 2026 sales indicates year-over-year growth of 17.3%, while EPS is expected to improve 30.7%, with estimates holding steady at $12.74 over the past 60 days. Jabil does face competitive pressure from domestic and international rivals including Sanmina Corporation (SANM), alongside headwinds from geopolitical tensions and weak demand in some consumer-centric markets. Over the past year, ASTS has gained 54.7% compared with the industry's growth of 21.8%, while JBL has surged 41.4% over the same period, reflecting strong momentum for both names. From a valuation standpoint, JBL trades at just 0.75 forward price-to-sales, a fraction of ASTS's lofty 44.49 forward multiple, making Jabil significantly more attractive on that basis. Both ASTS and JBL currently carry a Zacks Rank of 3, or Hold, but JBL's stable estimate revisions and improving bottom line give it a clear edge over AST SpaceMobile as an investment option right now.

Built for AI scale: Jabil's 1.6T DR8 LRO optical transceiver. Stand 1334 12th August 2026 Jabil's 1.6T DR8 LRO optical transceiver redefines power efficiency for AI and cloud data centre networks. Introduced at OFC 2026, it combines a linear receive optics architecture with Thin-Film Lithium Niobate (TFLN) modulator from HyperLight and a Credo half-retimed DSP, delivering exceptional performance at under 13W. Supporting 200G per lane today and architected for 400G per lane migration, it enables scalable, sustainable network growth without compromising reach or reliability. With ultra-low power operation and seamless integration into next-generation AI fabrics, Jabil's 1.6T DR8 LRO sets a new benchmark for energy-efficient optical connectivity.

Data center buildout in Mississippi means a new tech workforce is needed. by kobee vance - Published on July 24, 2026 Thirty data centers are being built across Mississippi, creating jobs that need highly skilled workers. While construction has sparked concerns about water and electricity usage among local governments, the state is trying to find ways to meet the manufacturing and staffing needs for these multibillion-dollar investments. Kobee Vance 00:00 01:50 Several universities throughout Mississippi have existing programs dealing with massive data systems. But graduates don't always move to where data centers need them. That creates a geographic problem for attracting these businesses, said Accelerate Mississippi Executive Director Courtney Taylor. One solution, Taylor said, is working with communities, businesses and schools to create new talent pipelines in the communities that will need them. "Because all of this has to be led ultimately at the local level. Economic developers, education leaders, community leaders. And so we've worked really big picture to get our resources all pushing in the same direction as a small, rural state," said Taylor. Trey Smith, Director of Talent Solutions at Accelerate, added: "Each region has its own unique opportunities and its own unique challenges, and so that's where the talent solutions team works to coordinate all of these efforts to ensure there is a streamlined, efficient approach to tackling the workforce issue for those areas." Another major need for data centers is reliable sources of electronic manufacturing. Earlier this month, the company Jabil announced a new plant in north Mississippi hiring more than two thousand long-term employees. Bill Cork, Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority, says this positions the state as a major supplier in the age of AI. "That's not only data centers, but electric vehicles, advanced manufacturing, robotics, and all of the things that are running the digital economy and the electrified economy. When you've got a competitive advantage, it's great to see us winning the expansions that come along with this new transformational growth." Representatives from Amazon and Compass data centers told the legislative AI task force this month they plan to have at least 60 percent of staff positions filled by Mississippians and grow that percentage over time. Many of the planned data centers throughout the state will take years to become fully operational. And this month, Jackson became the first city in the state to temporarily ban data centers.