Key Points:
- FCC Approval: AST SpaceMobile has received authorization to operate key frequencies for its space-based network, a crucial step in its mission to close the digital divide and expand access to emergency communications.
- Satellite Operations: The license allows for the launch and operation of the first five BlueBird satellites, the largest-ever commercial communications arrays in low Earth orbit.
- Strategic Goals: This milestone aligns with AST SpaceMobile’s goals and the FCC’s objectives to enhance U.S. leadership in direct-to-device regulation and digital transformation.
- Upcoming Launch: The first five BlueBird satellites have completed manufacturing, assembly, and testing and are set for shipment to Cape Canaveral in early August, with a planned launch window in September.
“This regulatory milestone is a significant step to targeting 100% nationwide coverage from space of the continental United States on premium cellular spectrum,” said Scott Wisniewski, President of AST SpaceMobile. “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.”
“The FCC grant paves the way for commercial space-based broadband services in the United States,” said Vikram Raval, Head of Global Regulatory Affairs. “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 U.S. 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.”
In 2024, AST SpaceMobile secured additional strategic investments from AT&T, Verizon, Google, and Vodafone, alongside a new contract with the U.S. Government. The company has agreements with more than 45 mobile network operators globally, serving over 2.8 billion subscribers, including Vodafone Group, AT&T, Verizon, Rakuten Mobile, Bell Canada, Orange, Telefonica, TIM, Saudi Telecom Company, Zain KSA, Etisalat, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, Telkomsel, Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, Millicom, Smartfren, Telecom Argentina, MTN, Telstra, Africell, Liberty Latin America, and others. Key investors also include AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Google, Rakuten, American Tower, and Bell Canada.
