Viasat Challenges AST SpaceMobile's Overseas Spectrum Request

Viasat has asked the Federal Communications Commission to reject disputed portions of AST SpaceMobile's request for additional overseas spectrum authority, turning a technical licensing matter into a direct test of how the two satellite operators can coexist.

The petition targets an application by AST & Science, AST SpaceMobile's operating subsidiary. AST is seeking authority for additional mobile frequencies outside the United States and V-band frequencies used for gateway links and satellite control as it expands an authorized 248-satellite system. The FCC accepted the application for filing, which opened the proceeding to objections but did not grant the requested authority.

Viasat argues that part of AST's request overlaps with mobile-satellite services already operating or under development. It specifically points to the 1980-1995 MHz band used by the European Aviation Network and says AST has not shown that its proposed service can avoid harmful interference. Viasat also contends that some frequencies are unavailable for the proposed operations under current allocation rules and that AST did not seek every waiver its plan would require.

These are allegations in a pending regulatory proceeding, not findings by the FCC. The distinction matters because a petition to deny does not itself block the application. The agency must weigh the record, applicable spectrum allocations and any proposed operating conditions before reaching a decision.

AST says it would obtain authorization from each relevant national regulator before operating outside the United States. Its engineering case relies on beam shaping, power controls and switching off cells near borders when necessary to limit cross-border and adjacent-band interference. Those measures define the technical dispute: Viasat says coexistence is not workable in the affected band, while AST says targeted controls can make it workable.

The commercial stakes extend beyond one frequency request. AST is building direct-to-device service through partnerships with mobile network operators, and access to suitable spectrum determines where and how much capacity it can offer. Viasat, meanwhile, has an existing European aviation network and plans additional services using the spectrum it says needs protection.

A separate initiative by Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone adds opportunity but not certainty. The operators are exploring a joint bid for future European mobile-satellite spectrum and have not selected a satellite provider. AST welcomed the plan and has relationships with the four carriers, but the letter of intent does not award spectrum or guarantee AST a role.

For investors, the meaningful next event is an FCC decision or a filing that narrows the disputed frequencies and operating conditions. Until then, the petition raises regulatory and engineering risk for AST without establishing that its overseas expansion will be denied.