Overview
- The Federal Communications Commission granted AST SpaceMobile authorization to offer commercial direct‑to‑device service in the United States, removing a key regulatory hurdle for the company.
- A joint venture announced May 26 between AT&T, Verizon and T‑Mobile signaled carrier demand for satellite‑to‑phone coverage and helped drive a rapid rerating of AST’s shares.
- Analysts and investors reacted with optimism: Roth Capital raised its price target and cited a funded plan for more than 100 satellites and about $3.5 billion in cash, while consensus sell‑side ratings remain cautious with an average target near $68.90.
- The next operational test is the planned mid‑June Falcon 9 launch carrying BlueBird 8, 9 and 10, after which AST must commission satellites, finish gateway builds and integrate with carriers to begin revenue recognition.
- AST has disclosed more than $1.2 billion in contracted carrier commitments and kept 2026 revenue guidance of $150 million to $200 million, but execution risks from past launch issues, gateway delays and tight commissioning timelines now determine whether that backlog turns into billed service.