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AST SpaceMobile Gains FCC Approval for Satellite Launch

AST SpaceMobile, a Texas-based satellite company, is building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network designed to connect smartphones directly to satellites. The company’s long-term mission is ambitious: deliver broadband service to the 5.2 billion mobile users who remain outside the reach of traditional terrestrial cellular networks when traveling or living in areas lacking reliable infrastructure.

In a pivotal regulatory development, AST SpaceMobile has secured approval from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to launch and operate its first five commercial satellites. This authorization paves the way for AST to begin delivering intermittent mobile broadband coverage starting in 2024. With this approval, the satellite communications sector crosses into a phase where legacy mobile and next-generation space technologies converge more aggressively than ever before.

The implications ripple outward—impacting mobile carriers, infrastructure investors, smartphone manufacturers, and billions of mobile users across the globe. As terrestrial networks face mounting challenges to expand into unserved regions, AST’s space-based strategy positions the company at the center of a drastic industry realignment—one where orbiting infrastructure fills critical terrestrial gaps.

AST SpaceMobile: Pioneering Direct-to-Phone Satellite Connectivity

Company Origins and Mission

Founded in Midland, Texas, AST SpaceMobile was established with a singular ambition: to eliminate connectivity gaps across the planet by building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by standard mobile phones. The company was incorporated in 2017 and trades on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol ASTS.

CEO Abel Avellan, an industry veteran with over 25 years in telecom and satellite ventures, leads the initiative. His vision centers on bringing broadband-quality cellular service to parts of the world where cell towers don’t reach and infrastructure is non-existent.

Core Technology Platform

AST SpaceMobile's approach bypasses terrestrial bottlenecks by deploying low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites capable of connecting directly to unmodified smartphones using standard 3GPP protocols. Unlike fixed-satellite systems, AST's satellites feature phased-array antennas large enough to support direct communication with mobile handsets on Earth.

The key technology lies in their proprietary BlueWalker and BlueBird satellite platforms. These satellites incorporate software-defined radios and multi-beam phased array antennas that dynamically manage coverage areas. BlueWalker 3, which launched in 2022, marked the first proof-of-concept satellite to validate direct-to-smartphone capability.

Demonstrated Capabilities and Recent Progress

Focused on scaling infrastructure, AST plans to launch its first five commercial BlueBird satellites, which will provide initial coverage to populated equatorial regions. These satellites are equipped to deliver 4G and 5G speeds directly to ordinary smartphones, aiming to close the digital divide in rural, remote, and maritime areas.

Demystifying the FCC's Satellite Launch Approval

FCC Authorization: A Prerequisite for Operating in Orbit and on Earth

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates all non-federal use of the radio spectrum in the United States, including commercial satellite communications. When a company like AST SpaceMobile intends to launch a satellite that will transmit signals to mobile phones on the ground, FCC approval becomes mandatory. This authorization ensures that the satellite will operate within designated frequency bands and will not interfere with existing communication systems.

FCC approval serves two primary functions. First, it confirms the technical feasibility and regulatory compliance of the satellite’s design, particularly relating to frequency spectrum usage. Second, it formally licenses the company to launch and operate the satellite communications service within U.S.-allocated frequencies. Without this go-ahead, AST SpaceMobile cannot transmit satellite signals that support direct-to-device connectivity inside U.S. territory.

The Commission's Role in Regulating Satellite Spectrum

At the core of the FCC’s responsibilities lies spectrum management. Each satellite system requires a fixed range of radio frequencies for uplink and downlink communication. As mobile services expand globally and demand for spectrum grows, the FCC manages frequency allocations to prevent signal interference and to maintain consistent, legal operations among service providers.

AST SpaceMobile’s network will operate under specific frequency bands assigned by the FCC for mobile-satellite service. The Commission not only evaluates whether the application fulfills the technical criteria; it also coordinates with international bodies such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to align spectrum usage with global agreements. For AST SpaceMobile, this coordination allows its satellites to serve users internationally without violating cross-border spectrum protocols.

AST SpaceMobile's Launch Approval: What Has Been Cleared?

In May 2023, AST SpaceMobile received clearance from the FCC to deploy its first five commercial BlueBird satellites. These satellites are scheduled for launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Their primary mission: deliver low Earth orbit (LEO) connectivity directly to standard, unmodified mobile phones on the ground.

The approved usage includes operational authority over the 850 MHz band in the United States—a key frequency that enables high-penetration signals capable of reaching users in remote and underserved locations. Additionally, AST SpaceMobile was granted experimental licenses for earlier test satellites, which allowed the company to validate its space-to-mobile link over several years before scaling to commercial operations.

This FCC clearance solidifies AST SpaceMobile’s legal framework for launch and operations, giving the company a functional green light to transition from testing to revenue-generating satellite communications.

AST SpaceMobile Set to Launch BlueWalker 3 After FCC Green Light

Introducing BlueWalker 3: A Milestone Satellite

Following the FCC's approval, AST SpaceMobile will proceed with the launch of BlueWalker 3, a next-generation test satellite designed to directly connect standard mobile phones to broadband networks from space. Scheduled for deployment in Q3 2022, BlueWalker 3 features a 693-square-foot phased-array antenna, one of the largest ever deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO) for commercial communications. This expansive size enables it to deliver high-gain signals across wide geographic regions without needing upgrades on users' mobile handsets.

SpaceX Will Deliver the Payload

To reach orbit, AST SpaceMobile partnered with SpaceX, using a Falcon 9 rocket as its launch vehicle. The mission is set to depart from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Falcon 9’s proven reusability and precision insertion capabilities align with AST’s objectives for reliable and timely deployment. By selecting SpaceX, AST SpaceMobile ensures both cost-effective transport and an established safety record: as of mid-2022, Falcon 9 has completed over 140 successful launches, reinforcing confidence in mission success.

Low Earth Orbit Deployment Plan

BlueWalker 3 will be positioned in Low Earth Orbit, approximately 500 to 550 kilometers above the surface. This altitude offers a balance between minimal signal delay and strong coverage across vast populations. AST SpaceMobile’s long-term vision involves blanket coverage; BlueWalker 3 serves as a precursor to the full BlueBird satellite constellation, which will scale operations further. Once deployed, the satellite will unfold its giant array, begin testing direct-to-device connections, and validate system performance for real-time mobile broadband delivery globally.

Unfolding the Mechanics Behind AST SpaceMobile’s Space-Based Cellular Innovation

Space-Based Cellular Networks: A New Communications Architecture

Unlike traditional systems that rely on towers rooted to the ground, AST SpaceMobile is building a cellular network that operates directly from space. Its satellite constellation functions as mobile towers orbiting Earth, delivering coverage across regions where terrestrial infrastructure cannot reach. This model removes dependence on base stations, fiber deployments, and line-of-sight limitations inherent to land-based systems.

Each satellite in the BlueWalker and BlueBird series carries a phased-array antenna designed to communicate directly with standard mobile phones on the ground. These satellites orbit in low Earth orbit (LEO), typically between 500 and 700 kilometers above sea level, which allows them to maintain sufficient signal strength to connect with individual consumer devices without intermediary hardware.

Direct-to-Device Connectivity: Eliminating the Last Mile Problem

What makes AST SpaceMobile's solution technically notable is the elimination of the need for additional consumer equipment. Instead of requiring satellite phones with bulky antennas or intermediary ground relay stations, AST satellites talk directly to existing 4G and 5G smartphones. Field tests conducted in 2023 successfully demonstrated voice and data transmission to unmodified commercial phones — a world first at this scale.

This capability is enabled by deploying satellites with a large unfolding antenna array — BlueWalker 3, for instance, deployed a 64 square-meter phased array, currently among the largest in commercial LEO orbit. These arrays optimize beam-forming to target specific areas on Earth, dynamically managing bandwidth and coverage zones.

Strategic Advantages: Why the Technology Matters

Think about areas with no cellular signal on your last road trip or blackout zones during wildfires and hurricanes. That gap — often referred to as the “last mile” — shrinks through space-based direct-to-device networks. AST's system across LEO satellites brings genuinely global mobile coverage into practical reach.

Shifting Ground: How AST SpaceMobile’s FCC Approval Alters the Telecom Landscape

Global Demand for Seamless Mobile Coverage

Dead zones remain a persistent issue, with over 2.5 billion people lacking access to cellular broadband, according to GSMA’s 2023 Mobile Economy Report. Bridging that gap represents more than just a technological challenge—it opens a $1 trillion market opportunity by 2030, driven by rising demand across remote and underserved regions in Africa, South America, and parts of Asia.

Traditional tower-based infrastructure has limits—geography, cost, and political instability frequently obstruct deployment. AST SpaceMobile’s direct-to-mobile satellite solution removes these barriers, enabling uninterrupted mobile network availability across oceans, deserts, and rural geographies previously unreachable at scale.

Disrupting Legacy Telecom Infrastructure

AST’s technology fundamentally changes the operating model of mobile networks. By using Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to transmit directly to unmodified smartphones, AST bypasses the need for dense ground-level infrastructure. Conventional carriers—bound to base station density and terrestrial backhaul—lose their monopoly over network accessibility in hard-to-reach areas.

This approach simplifies roaming agreements, reduces capital expenditure for mobile operators, and effectively decentralizes the delivery of cellular broadband. In regions where tower deployment isn’t viable or profitable, satellites will now provide primary coverage—redefining what last-mile connectivity means.

Momentum from Strategic Telecom Alliances

Backed by global telcos, AST SpaceMobile has positioned itself as a collaborative disruptor. Early adopters include Vodafone, Rakuten, American Tower, AT&T, and Bell Canada. As of early 2024, AST has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and commercial agreements that span over 2 billion mobile subscribers worldwide.

These partnerships signal a shift not just in technology but also in operating philosophy. Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) now view satellite-based connectivity not as competition, but as infrastructure extension.

Seamless Access: Device Compatibility and User Reach

Designed for Today’s Smartphones

AST SpaceMobile’s satellite-to-smartphone network does not require consumers to purchase new hardware or switch to specialized devices. The company has developed a space-based cellular broadband network that connects directly to standard, unmodified 4G and 5G smartphones. In early 2023, AST SpaceMobile demonstrated this capability by making the first-ever satellite voice call using a Samsung Galaxy S22, connecting directly to their test satellite, BlueWalker 3, without terrestrial infrastructure.

This direct-to-device technology sets AST SpaceMobile apart from traditional satellite communication providers, which typically require bulky satellite phones or external terminals. Cellular spectrum licensing agreements with more than 40 mobile network operators ensure compatibility with a broad range of commercially available smartphone models.

Expanded Accessibility Across Hard-to-Reach Areas

One of the primary value propositions of AST SpaceMobile lies in its ability to fill coverage gaps. Unlike terrestrial towers, which face physical and economic limitations in rural and remote areas, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites provide a wide-area signal footprint. Each satellite in AST’s constellation will cover hundreds of kilometers, blanketing:

For billions of people worldwide, this means immediate access to broadband services using their existing devices — no extra components, no installation delays, and no coverage blind spots where traditional carriers fall short.

Democratizing Mobile Connectivity

By eliminating the need for specialized equipment, AST SpaceMobile removes a major barrier to entry in satellite connectivity. This infrastructure model lowers the cost of adoption and accelerates time-to-user acquisition. As satellites complete deployment and cell towers in orbit go live, users in previously disconnected zones will gain mobile service continuity. Whether you're in a village in northern Kenya or crossing the Atlantic, connectivity will follow you — not the other way around.

Pricing and Data Plans – What to Expect

With AST SpaceMobile gaining FCC approval for its satellite launch, attention naturally turns to consumer-facing elements—chief among them, pricing models and data plans. Unlike ground-based carriers, satellite networks operate under a different cost structure shaped by launch logistics, space-grade hardware, and data throughput constraints. Still, competition among providers sets clear reference points for what subscribers might expect.

Subscription vs. Pay-as-You-Go Models

AST SpaceMobile appears poised to adopt a hybrid pricing system, offering both monthly subscription plans and pay-as-you-go options. Subscription models will likely parallel those used by traditional telecoms, bundling set data volumes and voice services at tiered price points. Pay-as-you-go plans, meanwhile, would target travelers, remote-area users, and customers requiring short-term access without contractual commitments.

AST's ability to leverage existing smartphone hardware without the need for external devices or terminals may allow for more competitive pricing than legacy satellite networks.

Data Speed and Network Capacity Projections

AST SpaceMobile’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network aims to deliver 4G LTE and 5G speeds directly to everyday smartphones. According to investor briefings and technical disclosures, each satellite within the BlueWalker and BlueBird series is designed to deliver peak throughputs in excess of 50 Mbps to individual users, with network-wide capacity improving as more satellites deploy into orbit.

Unlike traditional providers that struggle with latency and bottlenecks, AST's use of large phased-array antennas and dynamic beam-forming architecture enhances spectral efficiency. For users, this translates into lower latency—expected to hover below 50 milliseconds—and sufficient bandwidth for streaming, video calls, and real-time app usage.

How It Stacks Up Against Other Satellite Networks

Unlike these legacy systems, AST SpaceMobile is building a network optimized for everyday smartphone usage, targeting LTE-equivalent services with seamless integration into terrestrial networks. If delivered as planned, their pricing will undercut traditional satellite services while enabling use cases previously limited to densely covered urban zones.

Wall Street Reacts: ASTS Stock Activity and Market Forecast

Strong Movement Following FCC Milestone

In the trading sessions immediately after AST SpaceMobile gained FCC approval for its satellite launch, ASTS shares surged. On the day of the announcement, the stock rose over 23%, closing at $4.07, up from $3.30 the previous day. Trading volume also spiked dramatically, exceeding 30 million shares—more than 6 times the average volume leading up to the news.

This rally reflected investor confidence in the regulatory green light, which removes a critical hurdle to commercializing the company's direct-to-smartphone satellite network. Market participants positioned themselves to capitalize on potential future revenue streams associated with global mobile connectivity from space.

Market Sentiment and Valuation Shifts

Investor enthusiasm centers on AST SpaceMobile's ability to scale rapidly via partnerships with mobile network operators and generate recurring service revenue. However, questions remain around the company's capital-intensive deployment plan and the timeline to cash flow positivity. As a result, the stock continues to attract both speculative buying and short interest—ASTS had a short interest of 22.6% as of May 15, 2024, according to Nasdaq data.

Despite the operational risks, major institutional holders such as AT&T and Vodafone underscore confidence in the model. Analysts and traders now view ASTS more as a long-term growth equity than a pre-revenue gamble, prompting renewed interest from larger funds in recent quarters.

Analyst Coverage Shapes Outlook

Analyst sentiment remains mixed, but price target ranges have widened substantially, reflecting the binary nature of AST SpaceMobile’s execution path. Most models incorporate significant uncertainty around customer conversion rates, launch cadence, and hardware fulfillment timelines.

Looking forward, the next financial catalyst will likely come from the company’s first commercial service launch and associated revenue realization, expected in late 2024. Until then, ASTS will continue to trade on news flow, strategic partnerships, and technical milestones.

Global Reach in Sight: AST SpaceMobile’s Long-Term Coverage Strategy

Strategic Deployment for 100% Earth Coverage

AST SpaceMobile envisions a fully deployed satellite constellation that reaches every populated and remote corner of the Earth. The plan includes launching over 200 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, creating what the company refers to as the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by standard mobile phones. Once complete, this network will provide continuous connectivity across land, sea, and air—including locations traditionally out of reach for terrestrial cellular towers.

This approach differs from traditional satellite providers by enabling direct communication with unmodified smartphones. Urban, rural, polar, and equatorial zones all fall within the projected coverage map. To understand the scale: current terrestrial networks leave an estimated 2.7 billion people without mobile broadband access, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU, 2023).

Unlocking Critical Functions: IoT, Emergency Services, and Markets at the Edge

The broader implications of ubiquitous mobile coverage stretch well beyond consumer convenience. Industrial-scale Internet of Things (IoT) applications—especially in logistics, agriculture, and extractive industries—stand to benefit from uninterrupted real-time data transfer across remote operations. Satellites in space eliminating data blind spots will reduce latency in critical decision-making environments.

Competitive Landscape: Speed, Scale, and Spectrum Rights

AST SpaceMobile is far from alone in targeting global connectivity from orbit. SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper are building massive non-terrestrial networks, but both rely on user terminals that require new hardware installs. AST’s direct-to-phone strategy creates a lower barrier to user adoption, positioning it uniquely in the race.

Moreover, AST claims to have secured agreements and memorandum of understandings with over 35 mobile network operators globally, covering more than 2 billion subscribers. These partnerships form a hybrid model integrating satellite reach with localized terrestrial backbones, giving AST strong leverage as spectrum coordination and regulatory negotiations continue across borders.

The dynamics of this evolving industry will revolve around two factors: deployment cadence and interoperability. AST has set an ambitious schedule, and with FCC approval secured, the execution window has officially started ticking.

What Comes Next for AST SpaceMobile?

FCC approval marks more than just a regulatory milestone—it unlocks the path for AST SpaceMobile to activate its low Earth orbit satellite network and begin live service deployment. With this green light, the company can now operationalize its direct-to-smartphone technology and deliver broadband coverage without the need for terrestrial infrastructure.

The launch authorization is a catalyst. It enables AST SpaceMobile to move beyond testing phases and begin real-world service activation that will reach areas long excluded from mobile connectivity. This shift redefines what’s possible in the global telecom landscape.

By linking satellites directly to everyday smartphones—no hardware modifications or external antennas required—the company’s approach removes the two biggest barriers in rural and remote communication: tower installation and device dependency.

This moment signals a fundamental shift. The ability to connect billions without network gaps opens doors for new markets, new economies, and new social systems.

Interested in monitoring AST SpaceMobile's next steps?

Connectivity is no longer confined to infrastructure. AST SpaceMobile is demonstrating that with satellite-based cellular, the network comes to you—wherever you are.