AST SpaceMobile

LIVE FROM CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA: AST SpaceMobile’s launch of its first five satellites to provide broadband service to mobile phones was a resounding success, both literally and figuratively.

AST SpaceMobile targeted 12 September for the launch of its first five satellites to provide broadband service to mobile phones, which includes a plan to support beta test users from AT&T and Verizon.

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted an initial licence for AST SpaceMobile to launch five of its LEO birds in September.

AST SpaceMobile wrapped up construction of its first five satellites with a planned shipment of the birds in the first week of August followed by a seven-day launch window the following month.

AST SpaceMobile CEO Abel Avellan stated customers can switch from rivals AT&T and Verizon's spectrum as needed to fill in US coverage gaps.

AST SpaceMobile named AT&T veteran Chris Sambar to its board of directors as it closes in on the launch of its first commercial satellites.

AST SpaceMobile named telecoms industry veteran Johan Wibergh (pictured) to its board of directors, as the company continues to progress towards commercialising its space-based broadband network.