Prompt OK Needed With 2023 Commercial Launch Looming, AST Tells FCC

AST SpaceMobile said it expects to start commercial operations of its satellite-provided mobile service in the latter half of 2023, and prompt approval of its petition for U.S. market access for V-band feeder links "is necessary to avoid jeopardizing the preparations necessary to meet commercial deployment objectives," company representatives told the offices of FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel and Commissioners Brendan Carr and Brendan Starks, per an International Bureau filing last week. The company said it anticipates doing 4G LTE and 5G tests globally with partner companies in the U.S., Japan, Europe, Africa, South America and Asia.