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# AST SpaceMobile Gets Green Light for Direct-to-Device Testing
- URL: https://broadbandbreakfast.com/ast-spacemobile-gets-green-light-for-direct-to-device-testing/
- Published: 2026-08-17T23:08:43.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T09:48:58.000Z
- Description: The 30-day authorization covers non-commercial testing using up to 100 handsets.
- Author: Jericho Casper
- Tags: Satellite, #with-siderail, AST SpaceMobile, FCC, Grain Management, T-Mobile, SpaceX, AT&T, Verizon, Spectrum

WASHINGTON, August 17, 2026 – AST SpaceMobile has been granted temporary authority to test its satellite-to-smartphone connectivity solution.

The Federal Communications Commission granted the limited authority on Friday, as the two largest U.S. carriers, AT&T and Verizon, are betting on AST rather than Starlink to supplement their cellular service with satellite – where terrestrial networks don’t reach.

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