AST SpaceMobile announced an agreement to acquire global S-Band spectrum priority rights under the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), strengthening its ability to deliver direct-to-smartphone cellular broadband from space. The $64.5 million transaction, paid in a mix of cash and stock, gives AST SpaceMobile access to Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) frequencies between 1980-2010 MHz and 2170-2200 MHz. These bands, commonly allocated for S-Band applications, can enhance downlink and uplink performance across targeted global markets, pending national regulatory approvals.
The acquisition complements AST’s existing global 3GPP cellular strategy and upcoming L-Band initiatives in the U.S. and Canada. The company says its satellites and proprietary ASICs were engineered with S-Band support in mind, enabling potential peak data speeds of up to 120 Mbps directly to unmodified mobile phones. “With these new spectrum priority rights, we will be in a position to bring services in S-Band to targeted markets around the world,” said Abel Avellan, Chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile.
The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2025, subject to customary conditions. UBS Securities is serving as financial advisor, with McGuireWoods LLP acting as legal counsel for AST SpaceMobile.
About AST SpaceMobile and Satellite Deployment Plans
AST SpaceMobile is building a global cellular broadband network in low Earth orbit (LEO), aimed at eliminating coverage gaps by connecting standard mobile phones without the need for ground-based towers. Its system leverages large phased-array satellites capable of communicating with unmodified 4G and 5G devices.
The company successfully launched its first test satellite, BlueWalker 3, in September 2022 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9. The satellite featured a 693-square-foot phased array antenna and demonstrated 4G voice and data capabilities in direct-to-phone scenarios. AST is now preparing for the launch of five Block 1 BlueBird commercial satellites, planned for Q4 2025 via a dedicated SpaceX Falcon 9 mission. These initial satellites will form the foundation of AST’s first commercial services, aimed at markets in equatorial regions. A broader Block 2 deployment is scheduled to begin in 2026, scaling the network’s capacity and coverage.
• Transaction valued at $64.5 million for ITU S-Band MSS spectrum rights
• Enables use of 1980–2010 MHz and 2170–2200 MHz bands for LEO connectivity
• Complements existing 3GPP global and L-Band spectrum strategies
• Commercial service set to begin after Q4 2025 launch of 5 BlueBird satellites
• Long-term roadmap includes 100+ satellites for global coverage and scaling
🌐 Why it Matters: As the satellite-direct-to-device market heats up—with competitors such as Starlink, Lynk Global, and Apple-backed initiatives—AST’s acquisition of S-Band rights signals a long-term strategy to enhance capacity, quality of service, and market reach. Control over licensed spectrum remains a critical differentiator in the race to commercialize space-based mobile broadband.
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