Midland, Texas: AST SpaceMobile, Inc. , a company developing the world’s first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by ordinary smartphones, has inked an agreement to acquire global S-Band spectrum priority rights held under the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The move is set to significantly escalate the company’s capacity to deliver broadband internet from space, turning its largest-ever commercial communication arrays in low Earth orbit (LEO) into even more powerful tools for closing the cellular coverage gap worldwide.
The transaction grants AST SpaceMobile priority access to S-Band Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) frequencies between 1980–2010MHz and 2170–2200MHz—crucial mid-band ranges for satellite communications. These frequencies will enable AST SpaceMobile to further its mission of bridging digital divides by reaching under-served areas, especially when coupled with its current strategies involving global 3GPP cellular spectrum as well as planned L-Band activities in the U.S. and Canada.
“Our revolutionary satellites and proprietary ASICs were designed with S-Band capabilities in mind. With these new spectrum priority rights, we will be in a position to bring services in S-Band to targeted markets around the world,” said Abel Avellan, Chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile. He added that these rights, combined with existing strategies, will allow the company to deliver its SpaceMobile network’s full power and provide true satellite broadband directly to ordinary mobile phones—no hardware modifications required. Subscribers could see peak data transmission speeds up to 120Mbps.
Under the terms agreed on August 5, 2025, AST SpaceMobile will acquire the S-Band ITU priority rights by purchasing an entity holding the authorizations. The deal is valued at $64.5million, payable in stock or cash at AST SpaceMobile’s discretion. At closing, $26million will be disbursed, with an additional $38.5million in deferred consideration, some of which depends on performance milestones.
Completion of the transaction is anticipated in the second half of 2025, subject to standard closing conditions and regulatory approvals at the country level. UBS Securities LLC acted as the company’s financial advisor, while McGuireWoods LLP served as legal counsel.
Pairing new S-Band spectrum access with AST SpaceMobile’s existing and planned networks will, according to the company, expand capacity and coverage in most global markets. This is expected to allow AST SpaceMobile—with telecom operator partners—to provide robust broadband connectivity at cellular speeds to parts of the world lacking reliable terrestrial infrastructure.
The company’s engineers and scientists have designed unique satellites and custom ASICs precisely for such multiband operations, establishing a technical edge in the rapidly evolving satellite connectivity sector.
AST SpaceMobile is on a mission to create a seamless global broadband network in the sky by connecting standard, unmodified mobile phones through an expansive satellite array. The company notably holds a vast intellectual property and patent portfolio, and designs its network for both commercial and government applications. Its objective remains clear: to eliminate wireless dead zones for the world’s five billion mobile subscribers and finally deliver broadband to billions who remain disconnected.
The closing of this landmark transaction will further cement AST SpaceMobile’s position as a space communications innovator, enhancing its ability to provide continuous, reliable internet worldwide—directly from orbit to any standard mobile device.
