AST SpaceMobile, Inc. has 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 the company’s first five commercial BlueBird satellites to provide voice, full data, and video applications without the need for specialized software or device support.
The FCC’s grant reflects AST SpaceMobile’s shared goals with the Commission, including bridging the digital divide, enhancing emergency communications, and accelerating digital transformation. The company plans to install gateways in the United States and accelerate its path to commercial activity.
AST SpaceMobile’s Block 1 BlueBird satellites will support non-continuous cellular broadband service across the US, targeting approximately 100% nationwide coverage with over 5,600 coverage cells. The next-generation Block 2 BlueBirds are designed to deliver up to 10 times the bandwidth capacity of the current satellites, enabling peak data transmission speeds of up to 120 Mbps.
The company has secured additional strategic investment from AT&T, Verizon, Google, and Vodafone, as well as new contract awards with the US Government. AST SpaceMobile has agreements with over 45 mobile network operators globally, serving approximately 2.8 billion subscribers.
AST SpaceMobile is building a global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices. The company aims to eliminate connectivity gaps faced by today’s five billion mobile subscribers and bring broadband to billions who remain unconnected.
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Source: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250130886840/en/AST-SpaceMobile-Announces-FCC-Grant-Of-Special-Temporary-Authority-STA-In-the-United-States-with-Strategic-Partners-ATT-And-Verizon