AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) has received Special Temporary Authority (STA) from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to test its space-based cellular broadband network in the United States. This approval allows the company’s first five BlueBird satellites, currently in low Earth orbit, to provide non-continuous mobile broadband service using AT&T and Verizon’s low-band spectrum. The testing will support voice, full data, and video applications directly to unmodified smartphones, without requiring any software or hardware modifications.
The authorization aligns with AST SpaceMobile’s strategy to bridge connectivity gaps, enhance emergency communications, and expand global broadband access. The company is installing five ground gateways in the U.S. to support network integration and accelerate commercial deployment. Future plans include launching next-generation Block 2 BlueBird satellites, featuring 2,400-square-foot (223-square-meter) communications arrays capable of delivering up to 120 Mbps peak speeds, significantly increasing capacity over the initial Block 1 models.
• FCC grants AST SpaceMobile Special Temporary Authority (STA) for U.S. testing.
• BlueBird satellites will provide non-continuous mobile broadband service via AT&T and Verizon networks.
• The network operates with standard, unmodified smartphones, requiring no special software or hardware.
• AST SpaceMobile plans to install five U.S. ground gateways to support commercial rollout.
• Block 2 BlueBird satellites will expand bandwidth capacity up to 10 times, reaching peak speeds of 120 Mbps.
• The company has agreements with 45+ mobile operators worldwide, covering approximately 2.8 billion subscribers.
• Investors include AT&T, Verizon, Google, Vodafone, Rakuten, and American Tower.
“The FCC USA regulatory approvals represent a pivotal moment for AST SpaceMobile as we advance toward delivering seamless space-based cellular broadband connectivity,” said Vikram Raval, Global Head of Regulatory Affairs at AST SpaceMobile.
