Viasat urges FCC to reject AST SpaceMobile's overseas spectrum bid

what happened

According to Stocktwits, Viasat has asked the US Federal Communications Commission to deny overseas spectrum authority sought by AST & Science, the operating unit of AST SpaceMobile. Viasat argues that some requested frequencies overlap with existing mobile-satellite services, while others are unavailable under current allocation rules. It points to its European Aviation Network, which uses the 1980-1995 MHz band.

AST SpaceMobile requested additional spectrum in July for its authorized 248-satellite system and says it will seek approval from national licensing bodies before operating outside the United States. Separately, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefonica and Vodafone have said they will explore a joint bid for future European mobile-satellite spectrum. ASTS shares slipped 2% overnight, are down 29% in October and 42% year to date.

why it matters

For investors, the key question is whether AST SpaceMobile can secure frequencies without conflicts with established operators. An FCC decision or a delay could affect the timing of its commercial service launch and therefore revenue expectations. The story mainly concerns one company and a niche segment of satellite communications.

market impact

ASTS and VSAT: the spectrum dispute could delay AST SpaceMobile's plans and weigh on the stock

tags

instruments