Texas-based AST SpaceMobile has struck an agreement with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) for global S-band priority transmission rights.

Under the deal, AST will acquire Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) spectrum rights in the 1980–2010 MHz and 2170–2200 MHz frequency bands for use in low-earth orbit. The transaction aligns with the company’s 3GPP global spectrum framework and its L-band plans in North America.

Abel Avellan, Chairman and CEO, said the S-Band integration would strengthen the company’s mission to deliver mobile broadband directly from space, noting: “With these new spectrum priority rights, we will be in a position to bring services in S-Band to targeted markets around the world,” highlighting expected peak speeds of up to 120 Mbps.

The agreement is valued at $64.5 million. It includes $26 million due at closing and $38.5 million in deferred payments, partly based on performance milestones. The deal is anticipated to close in the second half of 2025, subject to customary conditions.

Observers suggest – but not confirmed – the spectrum was originally licensed to Sky & Space Global which went bust, although some elements of the company were acquired by UK-registered Elliosat.

The ‘priority’ rights acquired by AST mean that if two systems want to use the same spectrum the one with ITU priority has the right to operate interference-free.

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Categories: Articles, Broadband, MNO, Mobile, Regulation, Satellite, Spectrum

Tags: AST SpaceMobile, spectrum