AST SpaceMobile plans to use terrestrial spectrum from mobile network partners to provide service.
AST SpaceMobile has announced that it has been granted an initial license by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for space-based operations in the United States. This license authorises the use of V, S and UHF frequencies for gateway, feeder link, and telemetry, tracking and control functions for its first five commercial BlueBird satellites.
This FCC approval is a key milestone, advancing goals shared by both AST SpaceMobile and the FCC, such as closing the digital divide, enhancing emergency communications, driving digital transformation, and promoting US leadership in direct-to-device satellite regulation. The approval follows the company’s March 2024 constellation filings with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the FCC, bringing the planned satellites under US jurisdiction.
Speaking about the license, Scott Wisniewski, President of AST SpaceMobile, said: “This regulatory milestone is a significant step to targeting 100% nationwide coverage from space of the continental United States on premium cellular spectrum. Through our strategic partnerships with companies like AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone and our other key partners around the world, we aim to enhance cellular connectivity globally, essentially eliminating dead zones and empowering remote areas with space-based cellular broadband connectivity.”
Vikram Raval, Head of Global Regulatory Affairs, added: “The FCC grant paves the way for commercial space-based broadband services in the United States. By approving the launch of our first five BlueBirds, the largest-ever commercial communications arrays to be deployed in low Earth orbit, the FCC has taken a significant step forward for both AST SpaceMobile and U.S. leadership in space. As a US company, we are committed to building our constellation and fostering regulatory relationships domestically and across the globe to provide this vital space-based infrastructure to the United States and across the world.”
AST SpaceMobile has completed the production, assembly, and environmental testing of its first five BlueBird satellites. These are scheduled for shipment to Cape Canaveral in early August, with a September launch window.
In 2024, AST SpaceMobile secured additional strategic investments from AT&T, Verizon, Google, and Vodafone, and won a US Government contract through a prime contractor. The company also has agreements with over 45 mobile network operators globally, serving more than 2.8bn subscribers, including Vodafone Group, AT&T, Verizon, Rakuten Mobile, Telefonica, TIM, Saudi Telecom Company, Zain KSA, Etisalat, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, and many others. Investors in AST SpaceMobile include AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Google, and Bell Canada.
