AST SpaceMobile Secures Long-Term Access to Up to 45 MHz of Spectrum for Direct-to-Device Satellite Service in North America
AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS), the company building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network designed for direct connectivity to everyday smartphones, has announced a major milestone in its mission to expand satellite-to-device communication capabilities. The company has entered into a Settlement Term Sheet with Ligado Networks LLC (“Ligado”), Viasat, Inc. (“Viasat”), and Inmarsat Global Limited (“Inmarsat”), which clears the path for AST SpaceMobile to obtain long-term access to up to 45 MHz of premium lower mid-band spectrum across the United States and Canada.
Spectrum Access for 80+ Years
The agreement outlines the intent for AST SpaceMobile to receive rights to use up to 40 MHz of L-Band Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) spectrum in North America, currently held by Ligado, along with an additional 5 MHz in the adjacent 1670-1675 MHz band in the United States. Upon approval, this arrangement would grant AST SpaceMobile spectrum usage rights for more than 80 years, enabling long-term scalability of its direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services.
Inmarsat will actively support AST SpaceMobile’s upcoming regulatory filings with both the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). These filings seek authority to operate a non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) system within the allocated spectrum, marking a major step toward unlocking widespread satellite mobile connectivity across North America.
Building on Prior Agreements
This latest Term Sheet supplements earlier definitive agreements signed between AST SpaceMobile and Ligado in March 2025. It remains subject to court approval, which is expected by the end of June. Once finalized, the transaction will significantly enhance AST SpaceMobile’s technological capabilities by combining its existing low-band spectrum assets—which offer excellent coverage and signal penetration—with a substantial allocation of lower mid-band spectrum.
The 45 MHz block represents the largest available nationwide swath of high-quality lower mid-band spectrum in the U.S. Its addition to AST’s platform will enable higher data throughput and improved service quality for users of its satellite-based network.
Transaction Financing and Payment Terms
As part of the deal, AST SpaceMobile has arranged for total consideration of approximately $550 million, with $535 million designated to be paid to Inmarsat. This payment structure is supported by a $550 million institutional financing commitment. The funds will be used to establish a wholly owned special-purpose vehicle (SPV), structured as a non-recourse senior-secured delayed-draw term loan facility. The financing is subject to standard closing conditions and will become fully effective upon the receipt of regulatory approvals and closing of the transaction.
The use of non-recourse financing underscores both the intrinsic value of the spectrum and its strategic fit with AST SpaceMobile’s broader mission. The arrangement allows AST to expand its spectrum access without putting its existing assets at risk, highlighting the long-term economic potential of the deal.
Conditional Pre-Closing Payments and Regulatory Safeguards
To support the resolution of prior litigation between Ligado and Inmarsat, and to secure Inmarsat’s full regulatory cooperation, AST SpaceMobile has agreed to a series of conditional payments ahead of the official transaction closing. These payments include:
- $420 million payable to Inmarsat on behalf of Ligado by October 31, 2025
- $100 million payable by March 31, 2026
- An additional $15 million due upon successful regulatory approval and closing
However, these pre-closing payments are subject to a critical safeguard: if regulatory approvals are not secured and the transaction does not close, AST will be entitled to a full refund. This condition is backed by a commitment from Ligado’s financial sponsors, who have provided an acceptable backstop to protect AST’s financial exposure. The term sheet for this backstop has already been negotiated to AST’s satisfaction, and institutional lenders have expressed readiness to fund the payment schedule.
To ensure smooth execution of the deal, AST plans to supplement its existing financing commitment to accommodate the revised payment structure. Usage payments for the newly acquired spectrum will commence on September 30, 2025, per the terms of the agreement.
Strengthening Network Infrastructure
With this new spectrum access, AST SpaceMobile is well-positioned to accelerate the deployment and capability of its satellite network. The company has already launched its first five commercial BlueBird satellites into low Earth orbit. Each satellite features a communications array of roughly 700 square feet—the largest ever deployed for commercial communications in space.
These first-generation satellites are set to deliver non-continuous broadband service in the United States and other select global markets. In the U.S., they aim to achieve near-total nationwide coverage via more than 5,600 terrestrial-equivalent coverage cells delivered directly from orbit.
AST is also preparing for its next-generation Block 2 BlueBird satellites, which will be equipped with communications arrays as large as 2,400 square feet—more than triple the current size. These advanced satellites are designed to offer up to 10 times the bandwidth of the initial BlueBird fleet. They are expected to deliver peak data transmission speeds of up to 120 Mbps, supporting a full range of native mobile services, including voice, high-speed data, and video.
Paving the Way for Ubiquitous Connectivity
The transaction marks a pivotal achievement for AST SpaceMobile and its ambition to provide global broadband access through space-based infrastructure. By securing exclusive access to one of the most valuable blocks of mid-band spectrum in North America, the company is poised to significantly expand its direct-to-smartphone satellite coverage and capabilities.
As regulatory and financing processes move forward, AST SpaceMobile continues to drive innovation at the intersection of mobile communications and satellite technology. With long-term spectrum rights now within reach, the company is positioned to transform the way people connect—anytime, anywhere, without reliance on traditional terrestrial infrastructure.
About AST SpaceMobile
AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio, and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected. For more information, follow AST SpaceMobile on YouTube, X (Formerly Twitter), LinkedIn and Facebook. Watch this video for an overview of the SpaceMobile mission.
