Iridium Opposed to Ligado-AST SpaceMobile Deal

WASHINGTON, March 3, 2026 – Iridium is asking federal regulators not to allow a deal that would see AST SpaceMobile offer direct-to-cell service on Ligado’s satellite spectrum.

Iridium, which uses spectrum in the same band, says the applicants hadn’t properly coordinated with incumbents to prevent interference, and that the deal would ultimately amount to a transfer of license without the proper process.

Ligado asked the Federal Communications Commission last year to let AST SpaceMobile provide mobile-satellite service on Ligado’s L-band spectrum. Ligado pitched the arrangement as something of an alternative to SpaceX, which dominates the fixed satellite broadband market and is planning a push into offering mobile service as well.