SpaceX fearful of AST SpaceMobile’s potential?
March 11, 2026
A March 9th filing by SpaceX to the FCC – in effect – acknowledges the strength of AST SpaceMobile, especially in regard to AST’s European developments and its ‘Satellite Connect Europe’ partnership with Vodafone.
SpaceX complains that AST is continuing to “wrap itself in the American flag” but as far as Europe is concerned it is a very different story, and where with its German [and Luxembourg] HQs AST positions itself “as providing a sovereign satellite solution at a time when European countries and businesses want to rely less on Chinese or US companies.”
SpaceX asks the FCC to confirm whether “AST believes it remains subject to and is required to adhere to the laws and authority of the US government even when operating outside the US.”
Various observers have pitched in with their own comments: One said, pointedly, “AST is too much winning” while “SpaceX is too much whining.”
Another comment said: “The FCC filing from SpaceX unintentionally highlights how strong the AST SpaceMobile thesis is. If SpaceX is spending time at the FCC arguing about AST’s positioning, it signals AST has moved from a future concept to a credible competitive threat.”
Jennifer Manner, AST’s SVP, in her response, stated: “We respectfully suggest that continued cycles of speculative filings from competitors should not distract from the Commission’s ongoing evaluation of the technical and regulatory record already before it. AST SpaceMobile will continue focusing on what matters most: building and operating a system that expands connectivity, strengthens the US leadership position in next-generation communications infrastructure, and serves the public interest.”
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