The Federal Communications Commission has granted AST SpaceMobile Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS) authorization to modify its existing approval to launch and operate up to 248 satellites in low Earth orbit for direct-to-device cellular broadband service.

The authorization enables AST SpaceMobile to deploy its non-geostationary satellite system to provide supplemental coverage from space across the United States using 700 MHz and 800 MHz spectrum bands. The service will work in coordination with mobile network operators Verizon, AT&T, and FirstNet.

The satellite system is designed to deliver cellular broadband directly to standard, unmodified smartphones by integrating with partner mobile network operator infrastructure. The approval covers multiple frequency bands including low-band cellular spectrum for direct-to-device service links, V-band spectrum for gateway operations, and S-band and UHF spectrum for telemetry and command operations.

The FCC authorization also supports international deployment by enabling country-by-country authorizations for feeder links and sub-1 GHz direct-to-device spectrum globally.

"Today marks an important step as we continue scaling our network and moving closer to commercial service," said Abel Avellan, founder, chairman, and CEO of AST SpaceMobile.

AST SpaceMobile operates manufacturing facilities in Texas and reports having over 500,000 square feet of space and more than 2,000 employees globally. The company states it maintains approximately 95% vertical integration with major manufacturing processes under U.S. control.

The approval enables AST SpaceMobile to operate its satellite constellation alongside existing terrestrial networks while managing interference and meeting technical requirements, according to the company's statement.