AST SpaceMobile targets space-based cellular broadband by end of 2026

AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) announced it is working toward initial, intermittent space-based cellular broadband service in the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia before the end of 2026, according to a company press release.

The Midland, Texas-based company says it has more than 60 gateways deployed, installed, or in planning worldwide. Its commercial ecosystem includes over 60 mobile network operators representing more than 3 billion subscribers. Strategic partnerships include AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rakuten Mobile, Bell Canada, TELUS, and stc Group.

On spectrum, AST SpaceMobile is targeting approximately 100 MHz of access in the United States, combining partner operator spectrum with mobile satellite services spectrum. This includes access to 45 MHz of MSS mid-band spectrum in North America and priority rights to 60 MHz of S-band spectrum globally. The company's satellite technology can tune across approximately 1,150 MHz of low- and mid-band frequencies globally, subject to regulatory approvals.

In the United States, AST SpaceMobile says it has enabled over 3,000 coverage cells and expects to activate roughly 5,600 cellular cells covering the contiguous United States before year-end. The company describes this as a prerequisite for a nationwide rollout.

BlueBird satellite production is progressing through unit 50 at the company's Midland, Texas facilities. AST SpaceMobile operates over 500,000 square feet of manufacturing and operations space worldwide, employs more than 2,250 people, and holds over 3,900 patent and patent-pending claims.

Service during the initial phase will be available only within satellites' coverage areas. The company says additional spacecraft deployments will be needed to extend coverage duration and frequency before continuous service is possible. All timelines are subject to applicable regulatory authorizations.

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