AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) received temporary approval from the Federal Communications Commission to test satellite connectivity using the 800 MHz spectrum and up to 100 commercially available devices.
The 30-day special temporary authority allows ASTS to test its supplemental coverage from space capabilities across two distinct frequency bands.
Specifically, the approval covers the 817 MHz to 824 MHz earth-to-space uplink band and the 862 MHz to 869 MHz space-to-earth downlink band.
Supplemental coverage from space technology uses satellites to extend a mobile carrier’s ground network into areas where traditional cell towers do not provide coverage.
The spectrum being tested is part of the 800 MHz portfolio that T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) recently transferred to Grain Management, a transaction that AST SpaceMobile had previously supported before the FCC.
The 800 MHz spectrum carries particular value for direct-to-device services because its signals travel farther and penetrate buildings more effectively than higher-frequency airwaves.
That characteristic makes it well suited for connecting satellites directly to ordinary smartphones in rural areas and cellular dead zones where coverage has historically been absent.
The FCC’s approval document specifies that all testing must comply with AST’s existing agreements with T-Mobile, and is strictly limited to controlled and non-commercial activity.
AST must also avoid harmful interference during testing and is required to immediately halt operations if any interference occurs, according to the FCC document.
The regulatory development follows a May announcement in which AT&T (NYSE: T), T-Mobile, and Verizon (NYSE: VZ) agreed to form a satellite-connectivity joint venture aimed at reducing coverage gaps across the United States.
AST SpaceMobile holds partnerships with approximately 60 mobile network operators globally, including AT&T and Verizon, positioning the company at the center of the evolving direct-to-device satellite market.
Retail investor sentiment surrounding ASTS on Stocktwits remained “bullish” over the past 24 hours, accompanied by “high” message volumes on the platform.
At least one Stocktwits user expressed expectations that the stock could climb to $80 by the end of Friday’s session, representing a potential gain of approximately 11% from prevailing levels.
ASTS shares edged roughly 1% higher in pre-market trading following the FCC announcement, though the stock remains down approximately 14% for the year to date in 2026.
