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AST SpaceMobile Cleared to Test Satellite Coverage with AT&T, Verizon

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Jan 31, 2025, 12:15 PM by Rich Brome @rbrome.bsky.social

The FCC has given its blessing for AST SpaceMobile to begin testing its commercial satellites that provide cellular coverage to existing, off-the-shelf cell phones anywhere in the US. AST has deals in place with both AT&T and Verizon to provide this service, and will soon commence testing with both providers. AST currently has five of its BlueBird satellites in orbit, with deals in place to expand the constellation to 60 satellites over the next two years. At least 45 satellites are required for continuous service, so the current testing starting with just five satellites will "support non-continuous cellular broadband service". T-Mobile is working with SpaceX on a similar service. The FCC granted those companies authorization for service in November. While T-Mobile is using software updates to limit the service to specific phone models as it tests, AST promises its service will work with "unmodified smartphones ... without the need of any specialized software or device support or updates."

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