On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released an Order and Authorization (DA 26-391) granting AST & Science, LLC (AST SpaceMobile) authority to launch and operate a constellation of 248 non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellites.
The landmark ruling includes the first major commercial grant for Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS), allowing AST SpaceMobile to provide direct-to-cell connectivity using terrestrial spectrum in collaboration with AT&T, Verizon, and the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet).
Regulatory Milestone for Supplemental Coverage from Space
The grant authorizes AST SpaceMobile to deploy 223 additional satellites beyond its previously authorized five-satellite test-bed. This authorization specifically enables the use of terrestrial mobile frequencies to bridge coverage gaps in the United States, effectively turning standard smartphones into satellite-compatible devices without hardware modifications.
The decision follows a period of intense regulatory scrutiny regarding power flux density (PFD) limits and potential interference with terrestrial networks. This ruling comes months after AST SpaceMobile submitted formal comments to the FCC’s Space Modernization Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, advocating for a licensing framework that supports massive, software-defined constellations.
Executive Perspective: Abel Avellan
“This authorization is a defining moment for the future of cellular connectivity. By approving our 248-satellite constellation and SCS operations, the FCC has cleared the path for AST SpaceMobile and our partners at AT&T, Verizon, and FirstNet to eliminate dead zones across the United States and provide a critical layer of redundancy for first responders.” — Abel Avellan, Chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile.
Orbital Configuration and Launch Timeline
The authorized constellation will operate across multiple orbital shells to ensure persistent global coverage:
- 23 satellites at an altitude of 520 km (53-degree inclination).
- 192 satellites at an altitude of 690 km (53-degree inclination).
- 28 satellites at an altitude of 685 km.
AST SpaceMobile is currently scaling production at its facilities in Texas and Maryland. The company intends to maintain an accelerated launch cadence through 2026 and 2027 to reach the 90-satellite threshold required for initial global service.
Competitive Landscape and Interference Protections
The FCC grant includes specific conditions to protect incumbent terrestrial and satellite operators from harmful interference. AST SpaceMobile must comport with strict PFD specifications and cease operations immediately if interference is detected—a standard clause also found in recent licenses granted to competitors like SpaceX for its Starlink direct-to-cell service. The inclusion of FirstNet in this grant emphasizes the federal government’s interest in using SCS as a tool for public safety and emergency management.
