FCC Grants AST SpaceMobile Commercial Authority to Deliver Direct-to-Device Cellular Broadband from Space Advancing Nationwide, Resilient Cellular Broadband Connectivity in the United States
AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (“AST SpaceMobile”) (NASDAQ: ASTS), the company building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by everyday smartphones, designed for both commercial and government applications, have announced that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted its application to modify its authorization to launch and operate its SpaceMobile non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite system in low Earth orbit (LEO).
The authorization enables AST SpaceMobile to deploy and operate an NGSO constellation of up to 248 satellites to deliver Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS) directly to unmodified mobile devices across the United States, using premium low-band spectrum - 700 MHz and 800 MHz - which offers superior penetration and coverage characteristics, in coordination with its mobile network operators strategic partners Verizon, AT&T, and FirstNet.
By integrating directly with partner mobile network operator infrastructure, the AST SpaceMobile network enhances network resilience, supports critical communications for first responders, government agencies, enterprises and consumers, and enables users to access space-based cellular broadband using standard, unmodified smartphones.
The grant reflects the Commission’s recognition of AST SpaceMobile’s ability to operate alongside existing terrestrial networks while managing interference and complying with applicable technical requirements, further validating the company’s unique technology and system design. It also supports the broader regulatory framework for AST SpaceMobile’s global deployment, enabling country-by-country authorizations across multiple frequency bands.
AST SpaceMobile system is designed to operate across a broad range of frequency bands supporting feeder links, telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C), and service links globally, with updated technical parameters designed to enhance performance and efficiency, including
Low-band cellular spectrum for direct-to-device service links in the United States and globally
V-band spectrum for gateway and feeder link operations (37.5–42.0 GHz, 45.5-47 GHz, 47.2–50.2 GHz, 50.4–51.4 GHz)
S-band and UHF spectrum for TT&C operations
“Today marks an important step as we continue scaling our network and moving closer to commercial service,” said Abel Avellan, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of AST SpaceMobile. “We are accelerating deployment of our constellation, advancing integration with leading mobile network operators, and preparing to deliver seamless, space-based cellular broadband directly to everyday smartphones, bringing us closer to connecting people everywhere.”
AST SpaceMobile is approximately 95% vertically integrated with its primary manufacturing hub in Texas, has over 500,000 square feet and over 2000 employees globally, and keeps all major manufacturing processes under U.S. control. The company continues to invest in expanding its U.S. facilities and advancing its manufacturing capabilities, providing the foundation for the American leadership in space-based cellular broadband connectivity.