AST SpaceMobile Secures Spectrum Approvals and Operator Agreements for Satellite-to-Mobile in Brazil

AST SpaceMobile has secured regulatory approval for 30 MHz of S-band spectrum and secondary use of up to 20 MHz in the 700 MHz band in Brazil, advancing its plans to deliver satellite-to-smartphone broadband services across the country. The company has also signed agreements with four regional mobile network operators and is planning new ground infrastructure to support its Brazilian operations.

Brazil's telecommunications regulator, Anatel, has authorised AST SpaceMobile to use 15+15 MHz of S-band spectrum, complemented by secondary access to up to 10+10 MHz in the 700 MHz band within the licensed territories of its regional operator partners. The combined spectrum arrangements are intended to support voice, broadband data and video connectivity directly to conventional smartphones without requiring dedicated satellite equipment.

The four regional operator agreements expand AST SpaceMobile's existing partnerships in Brazil, providing additional routes to market through established mobile networks. The company aims to extend coverage into areas where terrestrial infrastructure remains limited, including remote communities, agricultural regions and transport corridors. Brazil's large geographic area and significant rural coverage gaps make it a potentially important market for direct-to-device satellite services.

AST SpaceMobile also plans to establish four satellite gateways in Brazil, connecting its BlueBird LEO constellation with participating mobile operators' terrestrial networks. These facilities will support the routing of voice and data traffic between satellites and existing cellular infrastructure, forming part of the ground segment required for commercial service delivery.