AST SpaceMobile has received temporary approval from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to commence mobile broadband service tests via its BlueBird satellites. This decision marks a significant milestone for the company, enabling it to deploy its direct-to-device (D2D) satellite service, which provides voice, data, and video services directly to users.
According to Vikram Raval, AST SpaceMobile’s Head of Regulatory Affairs, the FCC’s decision is crucial for launching these services. The company aims to test utilizing its five BlueBird satellites launched in September. These have the capability to support up to 40 MHz and peak data transmission speeds of 120 Mbps, potentially offering broadband services across parts of the U.S.
Interestingly, these satellite services are compatible with unmodified Verizon and AT&T smartphones, aligning well with AST SpaceMobile’s ambitious goal of achieving approximately 100% nationwide coverage through its over 5,600 coverage cells from space. The move represents a significant step toward addressing connectivity challenges in underserved and remote areas.
Future plans include developing 17 second-generation BlueBird satellites, which promise enhanced capacity and larger arrays. Their launch is expected this year. The recent advancements in satellite technology highlight a trend where non-terrestrial networks are becoming vital to expanding connectivity.
