FCC authorizes AST SpaceMobile constellation of 248 satellites for commercial service

The FCC granted AST SpaceMobile authority to launch and operate a constellation of 248 non-geostationary satellites for Supplemental Coverage from Space, using low-band spectrum coordinated with Verizon, AT&T and FirstNet. The order sets deadlines to launch half the constellation by August 2, 2030 and the full constellation by August 2, 2033. The company said the grant is the basis for commercial SpaceMobile service in the United States.

• Authorized constellation: 248 non-geostationary satellites
• Spectrum: 700 MHz and 800 MHz low-band, coordinated with Verizon, AT&T and FirstNet
• Deadlines: 124 satellites (half) by August 2, 2030; full constellation by August 2, 2033
• AST's plan: about 45 satellites in orbit by the end of 2026, with a launch every one to two months on average