First Commercial Satellites Launched by AST SpaceMobile are approved by the FCC

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has authorized AST SpaceMobile to conduct space-based activities in the country. This announcement was made by the company. For its initial five commercial BlueBird satellites, this license permits the use of V, S, and UHF frequencies for gateway, feeder link, telemetry, tracking, and control purposes.

This FCC clearance is a significant step toward the mutual objectives of the FCC and AST SpaceMobile, including improving emergency communications, accelerating digital transformation, bridging the digital gap, and elevating US leadership in direct-to-device satellite regulation. The authorization brings the proposed satellites within US jurisdiction and comes after the corporation filed constellation files with the FCC and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in March 2024.

"This regulatory milestone is a significant step to targeting 100% nationwide coverage from space of the continental United States on premium cellular spectrum," stated Scott Wisniewski, President of AST SpaceMobile, in reference to the license. We seek to improve cellular connectivity internationally by forming strategic alliances with businesses such as AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, and other important global partners. Our goal is to virtually eradicate dead zones and provide remote places 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. With the FCC's approval, AST SpaceMobile and the United States' space leadership have advanced significantly. BlueBirds are the largest commercial communications arrays ever deployed in low Earth orbit. This is the first of five planned launches of the array. As a US-based business, we are dedicated to expanding our constellation and cultivating local and international regulatory partnerships in order to supply the US and other countries with this essential space-based infrastructure.

The first five BlueBird satellites manufactured, assembled, and tested in environmental conditions have been finished by AST SpaceMobile. These are expected to be shipped to Cape Canaveral in early August, with a launch window set for September.

In 2024, AST SpaceMobile earned a prime contractor contract from the US government and obtained more significant investments from AT&T, Verizon, Google, and Vodafone. In addition, the company has partnerships with more than 45 mobile network operators worldwide, including Vodafone Group, AT&T, Verizon, Rakuten Mobile, Telefonica, TIM, Saudi Telecom Company, Zain KSA, Etisalat, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, and many more. Together, these operators serve over 2.8 billion users worldwide. Bell Canada, Google, AT&T, Verizon, and Vodafone are among the investors in AST SpaceMobile.