SpaceX $SPCX and AST SpaceMobile $ASTS are reportedly interested in acquiring 800 MHz spectrum licenses valued around $6B.
The licenses cover nearly the entire U.S. population and could support direct-to-device satellite voice services.
Preliminary bids are due in early September, with the FCC seeking completion by Nov. 5.
The three SpaceMobile sats launched today have been cataloged by US Space Force. Two are in the expected 523 x 530 km x 53 deg orbit; the third is shown in a more elliptical orbit but that may just be bad initial data, will look for updates tomorrow.
$ASTS: AST SpaceMobile today announced that the launch of BlueBird 11, 12, and 13 satellites is currently scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.
Liftoff is targeted for 3:42 a.m. EDT with an additional opportunity available at 5:10 a.m.