AST SpaceMobile Gets Initial License Nod from FCC

AST SpaceMobile, which is preparing to offer low earth orbit (LEO)-based cellular broadband network services, says that it has gotten an initial license from the Federal Communications Commission for space-based operations in the United States. Initially, AST SpaceMobile’s services will include a cellphone-to-satellite offering. It says that the license enables it to launch and operate V, S and UHF frequencies to support gateway, feeder link and telemetry, tracking, and control operations for the first five commercial BlueBird satellites. AST SpaceMobile’s services will be able to be accessed through traditional cellphones and, unlike other services that operate outside of cell tower reach, will not require special devices. The company says it has agreements with more than 45 network operators worldwide with a collective subscriber base of more than 2.8 billion.