AST SpaceMobile Secures Brazil S-band Spectrum and 700 MHz Access With Four Regional Operators

AST SpaceMobile secured 30 MHz of S-band spectrum and regulatory approval for secondary use of up to 20 MHz in the 700 MHz band from Brazil's National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel), the company said on October 26, 2026. The authorization, announced by Business Wire, covers 15+15 MHz of S-band spectrum for AST SpaceMobile's planned service in Brazil.

AST SpaceMobile's Anatel Authorization and Operator Agreements

Anatel's authorization covers 15+15 MHz of S-band spectrum, totaling 30 MHz, for AST SpaceMobile's planned service in Brazil. Following Anatel's regulatory approval, agreements with four regional operators support the company's authorized secondary use of up to 10+10 MHz of spectrum in the 700 MHz band within the operators' respective licensed areas, rather than unrestricted nationwide access.

AST SpaceMobile is building a space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by everyday smartphones, designed for both commercial and government applications. The company said the complementary spectrum resources strengthen its ability to deliver space-based cellular broadband across Brazil, enabling voice calls, broadband data and video streaming directly on standard, unmodified smartphones.

"Brazil's ambition for connectivity matches the scale of the country," said Abel Avellan, Founder, Chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile. "We are bringing together the spectrum, operator relationships and ground infrastructure to deliver a third layer of connectivity across Brazil."

Brazil has over 210 million people and a territory spanning roughly 8.5 million square kilometers. Assessments cited by the company indicate that roughly half of the country's federal and state highway network and two thirds of land available for agricultural use lack 4G or 5G coverage.

AST SpaceMobile's Funding and Satellite Records

According to akta.pro company records, AST SpaceMobile has 17 funding rounds on record, including a $1 billion post-IPO debt round in July 2026 and a $1 billion post-IPO debt round in February 2026. The company's total funding stands at $5.9 billion, with a valuation estimate of $10 billion to $25 billion and a revenue estimate of $50 million to $100 million.

Earlier Steps Toward Brazil Coverage

AST SpaceMobile appointed Rafael Mezzasalma as its country manager in Brazil in October 2026 to manage the launch of its direct-to-device satellite mobile services there, Telecompaper reported. Mezzasalma previously served as Nokia's country manager in Brazil until May this year.

In June 2026, AST SpaceMobile received FCC commercial authorization for direct-to-device satellite services using 700 MHz and 800 MHz spectrum through partnerships with AT&T, Verizon, and FirstNet, clearing the path for a 248-satellite constellation, according to akta.pro records. The company also formed a satellite joint venture with Rakuten Group in Japan in June 2026 to purchase and operate AST SpaceMobile satellites for direct-to-mobile communications in the Japanese market.

Brazil Gateway Deployment Plans

AST SpaceMobile plans to install four gateways in Brazil to support the country's ground infrastructure, linking its BlueBird satellite network with mobile operators' networks. Planning is underway to support deployment and integration with participating operators, with service availability expanding as satellite capacity and ground infrastructure are deployed and network integration progresses.