AST SpaceMobile Targets Initial Satellite-to-Smartphone Broadband Coverage in Five Markets by Year-End

AST SpaceMobile is preparing to introduce initial, intermittent satellite-to-smartphone broadband coverage in the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia before the end of 2026, as it expands its ground infrastructure, spectrum arrangements and mobile network integrations.

The company now has more than 60 satellite gateways deployed, installed or in planning worldwide, supporting partnerships with over 60 mobile network operators representing more than three billion subscribers. Key partners include AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rakuten Mobile, Bell Canada, TELUS and stc Group, which are expected to deliver satellite connectivity through their existing mobile networks.

In the United States, AST SpaceMobile has enabled more than 3,000 satellite coverage cells and plans to activate approximately 5,600 cells covering the contiguous US before year-end. This would establish the geographic network configuration required for initial service, although connectivity will remain intermittent and dependent on satellite visibility. Additional spacecraft will be needed to increase coverage duration and eventually support continuous service.

Spectrum access is another component of the company's deployment strategy. AST SpaceMobile is targeting approximately 100 MHz of spectrum access in the United States, combining mobile operators' terrestrial spectrum with mobile satellite services frequencies. Its arrangements include access to 45 MHz of MSS mid-band spectrum in North America and priority rights to 60 MHz of S-band spectrum internationally, subject to market-specific regulatory approvals. The company's satellite technology can operate across approximately 1,150 MHz of low- and mid-band frequencies.

AST is continuing production of its BlueBird satellites at its Midland, Texas, facilities, with manufacturing activity progressing through BlueBird 50. The planned service introduction represents a transition from technical demonstrations towards early commercial network operation, but the company has not yet established continuous coverage in the target markets. Wider availability will depend on further satellite launches, ground network integration, spectrum authorisations and agreements with mobile operators.