AST SpaceMobile, part of the Seraphim portfolio, has announced a major deal to acquire global rights to S-Band radio frequencies registered with the International Telecommunication Union. This gives AST more room on the radio spectrum to connect regular smartphones directly to its low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, no extra equipment needed. The move boosts its ability to provide dual-use services to public and government users worldwide.
On 5 August 2025, AST SpaceMobile signed a deal to buy an organisation that owns the rights to use S-Band frequencies between 1980–2010 MHz and 2170–2200 MHz. These frequencies are ideal for sending fast internet directly to phones, especially in areas with little or no mobile coverage.
The deal is worth $64.5 million, with $26 million paid up front and the rest tied to performance goals. AST can pay in cash or stock, and the deal is expected to close in the second half of 2025, once approvals are in place.
This is a big step for AST’s global strategy. The company already has plans to use L-Band frequencies in the US and Canada. Now, with S-Band added, it can bring mobile service to more places around the world, especially in remote or hard-to-reach areas where mobile networks don’t reach.
The deal also strengthens AST’s dual-use model, where its space-based service can help not just consumers but also governments, for emergency response, defence, and humanitarian aid.
“Our revolutionary satellites and proprietary ASICs were designed with S-Band capabilities in mind. With these new spectrum priority rights, we will be in a position to bring services in S-Band to targeted markets around the world,” said Abel Avellan, Chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile.
As AST moves closer to launching its Block 2 BlueBird satellites, gaining access to S-Band frequencies makes it easier to deliver fast, reliable internet straight to smartphones. It’s another step toward a future where people in any corner of the world can stay connected, with major benefits for everyday users and critical services alike.
