AST Looks to Add International S-Band Capacity
AST SpaceMobile is seeking FCC Space Bureau approval to add international S-band frequencies to its planned 248-satellite constellation. In an application posted Wednesday, AST said it wants to use the 1980-2025 MHz and 2160-2200 MHz frequencies outside the U.S. for mobile broadband connectivity. The S-band spectrum would let the company "provide higher capacity, space-based mobile broadband services to international users" and better compete with Chinese internet connectivity. The international S band is already included in AST's ITU filing, it said, and much of the band is underutilized.
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The company noted that it expects four orbital launches by the end of Q1, with additional launches every month or two to reach 45-60 satellites by the end of the year. With its S-band application, it said it's also seeking FCC authority to put up its full 248 satellites. The FCC in August deferred consideration on 223 of the satellites (see 2509040053).