Science & Tech · Space · 8 hrs ago
AST SpaceMobile gets approval to use satellite spectrum in Brazil
Brazil’s telecom regulator approved spectrum for AST SpaceMobile to provide satellite-to-phone service in the country.
The US company received permission to use spectrum in the S band and secondary access to some 700 MHz spectrum supplied by four regional mobile operators.
Its satellites are designed to act like cellphone towers in space, allowing ordinary smartphones to connect without a new device, antenna or app.
The company says its goal is to reach Brazil’s more than 200 million mobile lines, where it cites estimates that many roads and agricultural areas lack 4G or 5G coverage.
AST plans to sell satellite capacity to mobile operators, which would offer the service to their customers, rather than selling directly to phone users.
It is building four ground stations in Brazil to link its satellites with operators’ networks, and says the setup is intended to keep Brazilian users’ data in the country.
The stations are still under construction, and the company describes Brazil as a priority market.
Brazil’s telecommunications regulator has authorized AST SpaceMobile to use satellite spectrum in the country.
The approval covers 30 MHz in the S band and secondary use of up to 20 MHz in the 700 MHz band.
Four regional mobile operators are providing the 700 MHz spectrum.
AST is building four ground stations in Brazil to connect its satellites with mobile operators’ networks.
The company aims to reach more than 200 million Brazilian mobile lines without requiring users to change phones.
- Who
- AST SpaceMobile received authorization from Brazil’s telecommunications regulator, Anatel.
- What
- It can use 30 MHz in the S band and secondary use of up to 20 MHz in the 700 MHz band.
- When
- Anatel’s S-band authorization was dated October 9, 2026.
- Where
- Brazil.
- Why
- The spectrum will support satellite-to-phone connectivity, including service in areas without 4G or 5G coverage.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Four regional operators won 700 MHz spectrum lots in an Anatel auction.
Anatel’s authorization for AST to use 30 MHz in the S band took effect.
Exame reported that AST had received authorization to use satellite spectrum in Brazil.
- S-band spectrum
- 30 MHz
- 700 MHz spectrum
- Up to 20 MHz for secondary use
- Regional operators
- Brisanet, Unifique, Iez! Telecom and Amazônia 5G
- Ground stations
- Four under construction in Brazil
- Potential reach
- More than 200 million Brazilian mobile lines
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