FCC grants AST SpaceMobile initial license for space-based operations

AST SpaceMobile announced that the U.S. Federal Communications Commission FCC has granted an initial license for space-based operations in the United States. With this initial license, AST SpaceMobile is now authorized to launch and operate V, S and UHF frequencies to support gateway, feeder link and telemetry, tracking, and control operations for the first five commercial BlueBird satellites. This FCC grant represents a critical step to advancing several important goals shared by AST SpaceMobile and the Commission, including closing the digital divide, expanding access to emergency communications, accelerating digital transformation and advancing U.S. leadership in direct-to-device regulation. This step follows the March 2024 update of AST SpaceMobile’s constellation filings with the International Telecommunication Union ITU and related filings with the FCC, placing the planned commercial satellites under the jurisdiction of the United States. “This regulatory milestone is a significant step to targeting 100% nationwide coverage from space of the continental United States on premium cellular spectrum,” said Scott Wisniewski, President of AST SpaceMobile. “Through our strategic partnerships with companies like AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone and our other key partners around the world, we aim to enhance cellular connectivity globally, essentially eliminating dead zones and empowering remote areas with space-based cellular broadband connectivity.”…AST SpaceMobile has successfully completed the manufacturing, assembly, and environmental testing its first five commercial satellites, called BlueBirds, and are now ready for shipment to Cape Canaveral during the first week of August, with a 7-day launch window in September.