The FCC approval is a significant milestone for Ast Spacemobile, allowing them to deploy their satellite-based mobile network in the US.
This approval enables Ast Spacemobile to bring satellite connectivity to mobile devices, bridging the gap in rural areas with limited or no traditional cellular coverage.
With this technology, mobile users in underserved areas can enjoy seamless internet access and voice calls, just like those in urban areas.
Ast Spacemobile's innovative solution addresses the long-standing issue of digital divide in rural America.
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SpaceMobile Approval
AST SpaceMobile has secured a crucial approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to test its direct-to-device (D2D) service in the US.
This approval allows AST SpaceMobile to use Verizon and AT&T's 850MHz spectrum in combination with its LEO BlueBird satellites, which were launched in September 2024.
The satellites will support non-continuous cellular broadband service across parts of the US, with an eventual goal of nationwide coverage from more than 5,600 cells.
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AST SpaceMobile is planning to install five gateways in the US and test the service with off-the-shelf handsets on the US operators' networks.
With this approval, AST SpaceMobile can now start testing its service with Verizon and AT&T, which will be a significant milestone for the company.
The FCC's authorisation is a key regulatory hurdle cleared by AST SpaceMobile, and it paves the way for the company to launch additional BlueBird satellites in 2025.
The next-generation BlueBird satellites, scheduled to launch in 2025, will have ten times the capacity of the current birds and will enable peak data transmission speeds of up to 120 Mbps.
AST SpaceMobile has also secured approval to test direct-to-cellular satellite connectivity over Band 14 spectrum, used exclusively for public safety, in collaboration with AT&T.
This initiative aims to bolster FirstNet's multi-layered coverage with satellite connectivity tailored to public safety needs, and it will enable select first responders on the FirstNet network to trial satellite-based communications later this year.
AST SpaceMobile's approval from the FCC is a significant step towards delivering seamless space-based cellular broadband connectivity, and it will enable the company to accelerate its path to commercial activity.
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FCC Authorization
AST SpaceMobile has received FCC authorization for its direct-to-device (D2D) service, clearing a key regulatory hurdle.
The FCC granted a special temporary authority (STA) to test its satellite broadband network in the US, allowing it to use Verizon and AT&T's 850MHz spectrum in combination with its LEO BlueBird satellites.
AST SpaceMobile will test satellite-to-device voice, data, and video services and applications, with a goal of achieving nationwide coverage from over 5,600 cells.
The company is installing five gateways in the US and testing the service with off-the-shelf handsets on the US operators' networks.
The FCC's authorisation is a pivotal moment for AST SpaceMobile, according to Vikram Raval, global head of regulatory affairs.
AST SpaceMobile needs to make a full application that's compliant with the FCC's SCS rules before the agency will consider granting permission to launch additional BlueBird satellites.
The company is building 17 second-generation BlueBird satellites, which have a larger array than its initial birds and are scheduled to launch in 2025.
These new satellites will have ten-times the capacity of its current birds, enabling peak data transmission speeds of up to 120 Mbps.
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