Rendering of AST SpaceMobile’s Blue Walker 3 test satellite in space. Photo: AST SpaceMobile

The FCC granted AST SpaceMobile an initial license to launch and operate its first five satellites. AST SpaceMobile is now authorized to launch and operate V-band, S-band, and ultra high frequency (UHF) frequencies to support gateway, feeder link and telemetry, tracking, and control operations for the first five commercial satellites, called BlueBirds. 

However, the FCC deferred approval to operate in frequencies designated for terrestrial services for satellite-to-cell service, which the FCC refers to as supplemental coverage from space. AST SpaceMobile plans to use terrestrial spectrum from mobile network partners to provide service.  In the U.S., the company is working with AT&T and Verizon. 

The FCC also deferred considering AST’s full request to operate 243 satellites. 

AST SpaceMobile called this approval a critical step toward the company’s goal of providing a broadband network to cell phones from satellites. The five BlueBird satellites have completed manufacturing and testing and are ready to be shipped to Cape Canaveral this week ahead of a launch window in September. 

“By approving the launch of our first five BlueBirds, the largest-ever commercial communications arrays to be deployed in Low Earth Orbit, the FCC has taken a significant step forward for both AST SpaceMobile and U.S. leadership in space,” commented Vikram Raval, head of Global Regulatory Affairs for AST SpaceMobile. “As a U.S. company, we are committed to building our constellation and fostering regulatory relationships domestically and across the globe to provide this vital space-based infrastructure to the United States and across the world.”