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AST SpaceMobile Announces FCC Grant Of Special Temporary Authority (STA) In the United States with Strategic Partners AT&T And Verizon

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AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) has received Special Temporary Authority (STA) from the FCC to conduct testing services in the United States using their first five commercial BlueBird satellites. The authorization allows testing with unmodified smartphones on AT&T and Verizon networks, supporting voice, data, and video applications without requiring specialized software or updates.

The company's Block 1 BlueBird satellites will provide non-continuous cellular broadband service across the US with over 5,600 coverage cells. The upcoming Block 2 BlueBirds, featuring 2,400 square-foot communications arrays, are designed to deliver up to 10 times the bandwidth capacity, enabling speeds up to 120 Mbps.

AST SpaceMobile has secured strategic investments from AT&T, Verizon, Google, and Vodafone in 2024, along with new US Government contracts. The company maintains agreements with over 45 mobile network operators globally, representing approximately 2.8 billion subscribers.

AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) ha ricevuto l'Autorità Temporeanea Speciale (STA) dalla FCC per condurre servizi di testing negli Stati Uniti utilizzando i loro primi cinque satelliti commerciali BlueBird. L'autorizzazione consente il testing con , supportando applicazioni vocali, dati e video senza richiedere software o aggiornamenti specializzati.

I satelliti BlueBird del Block 1 dell'azienda forniranno un servizio di banda larga cellulare non continuativa negli Stati Uniti, con oltre 5.600 celle di copertura. I prossimi BlueBird del Block 2, dotati di array di comunicazione di 2.400 piedi quadrati, sono progettati per fornire fino a 10 volte la capacità di larghezza di banda, consentendo velocità fino a 120 Mbps.

AST SpaceMobile ha ottenuto investimenti strategici da AT&T, Verizon, Google e Vodafone nel 2024, insieme a nuovi contratti con il governo degli Stati Uniti. L'azienda mantiene accordi con oltre 45 operatori di rete mobile a livello globale, rappresentando circa 2,8 miliardi di abbonati.

AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) ha recibido la Autoridad Temporal Especial (STA) de la FCC para llevar a cabo servicios de prueba en los Estados Unidos utilizando sus cinco primeros satélites comerciales BlueBird. La autorización permite la prueba con smartphones no modificados en las redes de AT&T y Verizon, apoyando aplicaciones de voz, datos y video sin requerir software o actualizaciones especializadas.

Los satélites BlueBird del Bloque 1 de la compañía proporcionarán un servicio de banda ancha celular no continua en los EE. UU. con más de 5,600 celdas de cobertura. Los próximos BlueBird del Bloque 2, que cuentan con arreglos de comunicación de 2,400 pies cuadrados, están diseñados para ofrecer hasta 10 veces la capacidad de ancho de banda, permitiendo velocidades de hasta 120 Mbps.

AST SpaceMobile ha asegurado inversiones estratégicas de AT&T, Verizon, Google y Vodafone en 2024, junto con nuevos contratos del gobierno de EE. UU. La compañía mantiene acuerdos con más de 45 operadores de redes móviles a nivel mundial, representando aproximadamente 2.8 mil millones de suscriptores.

AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS)는 FCC로부터 미국에서 최초의 상용 BlueBird 위성 5기를 사용하여 테스트 서비스를 수행할 수 있는 특별 일시 권한(STA)을 받았습니다. 이 승인으로 AT&T와 Verizon 네트워크에서 수정되지 않은 스마트폰을 사용한 테스트가 가능해지며, 전문 소프트웨어나 업데이트 없이 음성, 데이터 및 비디오 애플리케이션을 지원합니다.

회사의 Block 1 BlueBird 위성은 미국 전역에 5,600개 이상의 셀을 통해 비연속 셀룰러 브로드밴드 서비스를 제공합니다. 다가오는 Block 2 BlueBird 위성은 2,400 평방 피트의 통신 배열을 갖추고 있으며, 대역폭 용량을 최대 10배까지 증가시켜 최대 120Mbps 속도를 제공합니다.

AST SpaceMobile은 2024년 AT&T, Verizon, Google, Vodafone로부터 전략적 투자를 확보했으며, 미국 정부와의 새로운 계약도 체결했습니다. 이 회사는 전 세계 45개 이상의 모바일 네트워크 운영자와 계약을 유지하고 있으며, 약 28억 명의 가입자를 대표합니다.

AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) a reçu une Autorisation Temporaire Spéciale (STA) de la FCC pour mener des services de test aux États-Unis en utilisant leurs cinq premiers satellites commerciaux BlueBird. L'autorisation permet de tester avec des smartphones non modifiés sur les réseaux AT&T et Verizon, prenant en charge les applications vocales, de données et vidéo sans nécessiter de logiciels ou de mises à jour spécialisées.

Les satellites BlueBird de Block 1 de l'entreprise fourniront un service de large bande cellulaire non continu à travers les Etats-Unis avec plus de 5 600 cellules de couverture. Les futurs BlueBird de Block 2, dotés d'ensembles de communication de 2 400 pieds carrés, sont conçus pour offrir jusqu'à 10 fois la capacité de bande passante, permettant des vitesses allant jusqu'à 120 Mbps.

AST SpaceMobile a sécurisé des investissements stratégiques de AT&T, Verizon, Google et Vodafone en 2024, ainsi que de nouveaux contrats avec le gouvernement américain. L'entreprise maintient des accords avec plus de 45 opérateurs de réseaux mobiles à travers le monde, représentant environ 2,8 milliards d'abonnés.

AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) hat von der FCC die Sondergenehmigung (STA) erhalten, um Testdienste in den Vereinigten Staaten mit ihren ersten fünf kommerziellen BlueBird-Satelliten durchzuführen. Die Genehmigung erlaubt Tests mit unmodifizierten Smartphones im AT&T- und Verizon-Netz, die Sprach-, Daten- und Videoanwendungen unterstützen, ohne dass spezielle Software oder Updates erforderlich sind.

Die Block 1 BlueBird-Satelliten des Unternehmens werden einen nicht kontinuierlichen Mobilfunkbreitbanddienst in den USA mit über 5.600 Versorgungszellen anbieten. Die kommenden Block 2 BlueBirds mit 2.400 Quadratfuß großen Kommunikations-Arrays sind darauf ausgelegt, die Bandbreitenkapazität um das Zehnfache zu erhöhen, was Geschwindigkeiten von bis zu 120 Mbps ermöglicht.

AST SpaceMobile hat 2024 strategische Investitionen von AT&T, Verizon, Google und Vodafone gesichert, zusammen mit neuen Verträgen der US-Regierung. Das Unternehmen hat Vereinbarungen mit über 45 mobilen Netzbetreibern weltweit, die etwa 2,8 Milliarden Abonnenten repräsentieren.

Positive
  • Received FCC authorization for testing services in the US
  • Strategic investments secured from major tech companies (AT&T, Verizon, Google, Vodafone) in 2024
  • New contract awards with US Government
  • Partnerships with 45+ mobile network operators covering 2.8 billion subscribers
  • Next-gen satellites to deliver up to 120 Mbps speeds
Negative
  • Current Block 1 satellites provide only non-continuous service

Insights

The FCC's Special Temporary Authority (STA) grant represents a groundbreaking regulatory milestone for AST SpaceMobile's commercial aspirations. This approval is particularly significant as it permits testing with unmodified smartphones - a important technical and commercial differentiator in the emerging direct-to-device satellite communication market.

The authorization to operate with AT&T and Verizon's premium low-band spectrum is strategically vital, as it validates the company's technology compatibility with major cellular networks. The approval for full cellular capabilities including voice, data and video applications positions AST SpaceMobile ahead of competitors who are to text-only or specialized device solutions.

The planned coverage of 5,600 cells nationwide through Block 1 BlueBirds, coupled with the next-generation Block 2 satellites' enhanced capabilities of 120 Mbps speeds, presents a compelling technical foundation for commercial services. The recent strategic investments from tech giants and telecom leaders (AT&T, Verizon, Google, Vodafone) further validate the business model and technology approach.

The breadth of commercial agreements with 45+ mobile network operators representing approximately 2.8 billion subscribers globally demonstrates strong market demand and potential revenue streams. The inclusion of government contracts adds another valuable market segment, diversifying revenue potential and strengthening the company's market position.

The technical architecture of AST SpaceMobile's system represents a significant leap in satellite communications technology. The ability to connect to standard smartphones without modifications eliminates a major barrier to adoption that has historically satellite communication services.

The Block 2 BlueBirds' 2,400 square-foot communications arrays are particularly noteworthy, as they enable a 10x increase in bandwidth capacity over current satellites. This massive scaling in capability is important for supporting true broadband services from space, setting AST SpaceMobile apart from competitors offering messaging-only services.

The progressive deployment strategy, starting with Block 1 satellites for initial service and transitioning to higher-capacity Block 2 satellites, provides a clear pathway to enhanced service capabilities. The planned coverage architecture with over 5,600 coverage cells in the United States demonstrates a sophisticated approach to managing satellite capacity and service quality.

The technology's compatibility with existing cellular networks and standard smartphones positions AST SpaceMobile favorably in the emerging space-based cellular market, potentially enabling rapid market penetration without requiring consumers to purchase new devices or learn new technologies.

STA authorization includes all types of unmodified smartphones, to support voice, full data, and video applications, and other native cellular broadband capabilities

MIDLAND, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (“AST SpaceMobile”) (NASDAQ: ASTS), the company building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by everyday smartphones, designed for both commercial and government applications, today announced that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted the company Special Temporary Authority (STA) authorizing testing service in the United States. This approval enables AST SpaceMobile’s first five commercial BlueBird satellites, operating in low Earth orbit today, with unmodified smartphones in AT&T and Verizon premium low-band wireless spectrum supporting voice, full data, and video applications, and other native cellular broadband capabilities, without the need of any specialized software or device support or updates.

AST SpaceMobile BlueBirds 1-5 (Graphic: Business Wire)

AST SpaceMobile BlueBirds 1-5 (Graphic: Business Wire)

The FCC’s grants underscore the shared goals between AST SpaceMobile and the Commission, including bridging the digital divide, enhancing emergency communications, accelerating digital transformation, and promoting U.S. leadership in the emerging space economy and direct-to-device innovation.

“The FCC USA regulatory approvals represent a pivotal moment for AST SpaceMobile as we advance toward delivering seamless space-based cellular broadband connectivity,” said Vikram Raval Global Head of Regulatory Affairs of AST SpaceMobile.

“Alongside integration efforts with partner networks we are installing five gateways in the United States, and we are now accelerating our path to commercial activity, starting with testing service with off-the-shelf cellular handsets on AT&T and Verizon networks,” said Chris Ivory, Chief Commercial Officer of AST SpaceMobile.

The orbiting Block 1 BlueBird satellites will support non-continuous cellular broadband service across the United States and in select markets globally and will target approximately 100% nationwide coverage from space with over 5,600 coverage cells in the United States. The next-generation Block 2 BlueBirds featuring up to 2,400 square-foot communications arrays, are designed to deliver up to 10 times the bandwidth capacity of the BlueBird satellites in orbit, enabling peak data transmission speeds of up to 120 Mbps, supporting voice, full data, and video applications.

During 2024, AST SpaceMobile secured additional strategic investment from AT&T, Verizon, Google and Vodafone, and new contract awards with the United States Government, directly and through prime contractors. The company has agreements with more than 45 mobile network operators globally, which have over approximately 2.8 billion existing subscribers total, including Vodafone Group, AT&T, Verizon, Rakuten Mobile, Bell Canada, Orange, Telefonica, TIM, Saudi Telecom Company, Zain KSA, Etisalat, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, Telkomsel, Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, Millicom, Smartfren, Telecom Argentina, MTN, Telstra, Africell, Liberty Latin America and others. AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Google, Rakuten, American Tower, Cisneros Group and Bell Canada are also existing investors in AST SpaceMobile.

About AST SpaceMobile

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio, and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected. For more information, follow AST SpaceMobile on YouTube, X (Formerly Twitter), LinkedIn and Facebook. Watch this video for an overview of the SpaceMobile mission.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains “forward-looking statements” that are not historical facts, and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results of AST SpaceMobile to differ materially from those expected and projected. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the words “believes,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “potential,” “projects,” “predicts,” “continue,” or “should,” or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology.

These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Most of these factors are outside AST SpaceMobile’s control and are difficult to predict.

Factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (i) expectations regarding AST SpaceMobile’s strategies and future financial performance, including AST’s future business plans or objectives, expected functionality of the SpaceMobile Service, anticipated timing of the launch of the Block 2 Bluebird satellites, anticipated demand and acceptance of mobile satellite services, prospective performance and commercial opportunities and competitors, the timing of obtaining regulatory approvals, ability to finance its research and development activities, commercial partnership acquisition and retention, products and services, pricing, marketing plans, operating expenses, market trends, revenues, liquidity, cash flows and uses of cash, capital expenditures, and AST SpaceMobile’s ability to invest in growth initiatives; (ii) the negotiation of definitive agreements with mobile network operators relating to the SpaceMobile Service that would supersede preliminary agreements and memoranda of understanding and the ability to enter into commercial agreements with other parties or government entities; (iii) the ability of AST SpaceMobile to grow and manage growth profitably and retain its key employees and AST SpaceMobile’s responses to actions of its competitors and its ability to effectively compete; (iv) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (v) the possibility that AST SpaceMobile may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; (vi) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against AST SpaceMobile; and (vii) other risks and uncertainties indicated in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including those in the Risk Factors section of AST SpaceMobile’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024.

AST SpaceMobile cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. AST SpaceMobile cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. For information identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the Risk Factors in AST SpaceMobile’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024. AST SpaceMobile’s securities filings can be accessed on the EDGAR section of the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Except as expressly required by applicable securities law, AST SpaceMobile disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Investor Contact:

Scott Wisniewski

investors@ast-science.com

Media Contact:

Allison

Eva Murphy Ryan

917-547-7289

AstSpaceMobile@allisonpr.com

Source: AST SpaceMobile, Inc.

FAQ

What does the FCC's Special Temporary Authority mean for ASTS operations?

The STA allows AST SpaceMobile to test its space-based cellular network in the US using unmodified smartphones on AT&T and Verizon networks, supporting voice, data, and video applications.

What is the coverage capacity of ASTS BlueBird satellites in the United States?

The Block 1 BlueBird satellites will provide nationwide coverage with over 5,600 coverage cells in the United States.

What are the speed capabilities of ASTS Block 2 BlueBird satellites?

The Block 2 BlueBirds are designed to deliver up to 120 Mbps peak data transmission speeds, with 10 times the bandwidth capacity of current satellites.

Which major companies invested in ASTS in 2024?

AT&T, Verizon, Google, and Vodafone made strategic investments in AST SpaceMobile during 2024.

How many mobile network operators have agreements with ASTS?

AST SpaceMobile has agreements with more than 45 mobile network operators globally, representing approximately 2.8 billion subscribers.

AST SpaceMobile, Inc.

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