AST SpaceMobile Launch Date, Price Target, and Availability

AST SpaceMobile plans to have its network ready by late 2025 to early 2026. Still, the timing will depend entirely on regulatory approvals and how quickly it can launch its planned 60 satellites to provide coverage for the entire U.S. The company has secured planned 2025 launches with SpaceX, Blue Origin, and other space agencies. Considering unforeseen delays, we predict the service will become available no earlier than 2026.

However, AST SpaceMobile will begin beta testing its service much earlier, possibly before the end of 2024, pending permission from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It has yet to be revealed how to sign up to be a beta tester or if there are specific requirements, but AT&T and Verizon customers should regularly check back with us as more details are released.

Pricing for AT&T and Verizon customers has not been disclosed as of November 2024, but similar to T-Mobile’s plan with Starlink connectivity, this will likely be an added benefit to current customers on a higher-tiered plan.

There’s also the possibility of purchasing service directly from AST SpaceMobile, regardless of your carrier. The company has described possible day passes, a monthly add-on service, or a standalone service for the most remote customers, but no solid plans have been made public.

Yes and no. Unlike satellite internet providers, AST SpaceMobile doesn’t plan to sell home internet service requiring a dish that connects to Wi-Fi. Instead, its priority is to connect directly with cell phones to provide a signal no matter where you are. Depending on how the service expands and offers service, it could be possible to use it as an internet solution similar to how some people use mobile hotspots and phone tethering for the internet. 

AST SpaceMobile has not announced whether it intends to expand its satellite service to home internet in the future.

No, according to AST SpaceMobile. The company’s satellites are expected to work with unmodified, modern smartphones. You won’t need to buy a particular phone or modify your current phone to connect to AST SpaceMobile’s satellite network since they communicate with the same type of radiowaves a 5G network uses.

AST SpaceMobile uses LEO satellites to deliver low and mid-range radio spectrum between mobile phones, satellites, and ground stations. Since the satellites are in lower earth orbit, they can provide lower latency data than older geostationary satellites, which require data to travel much further. 

In September 2024, the startup launched five satellites called BlueBirds as the first batch to test the network’s capabilities. The satellites use the spectrum of their partner carrier to deliver cell signals to mobile phones.

AST SpaceMobile and Starlink Direct to Cell share the mutual goal of delivering cellular connectivity via a fleet of satellites to eliminate dead spots worldwide. However, they each have different methods, partners, and timetables for providing service.

Starlink has partnered with T-Mobile in the U.S. and dozens of international telecoms to provide its service to their customers. Starlink is ahead of AST SpaceMobile in its satellite launches and readiness to launch its services. Starlink began launching direct-to-cell satellites in early 2024 and already has more than 300 satellites in orbit. 

Starlink has also had successful beta tests and demonstrations of the service, which delivers text, voice, and video. It also had the chance to show off its capabilities by activating its service for customers affected by Hurricanes Helena and Milton in October 2024. As of November, Starlink still needs permission from the FAA and FCC to launch more DTC satellites to ensure its coverage is fast and reliable.

It’s unclear if the choice of partner carriers will affect the two companies in the long run, as both have said they’re willing to work with more carriers to deliver service. So, you may not necessarily be stuck with one or the other, but in the short term, your carrier will likely affect which service you can get.

Both AST SpaceMobile and Starlink Direct to Cell have the mutual mission to connect the world's most remote areas, further filling the digital divide. It’s possible to get online now with Starlink, Hughesnet, and Viasat anywhere in the U.S., no matter how rural. You can set up voice lines, hold video calls, and connect your smartphone to Wi-Fi. Explore what satellite internet provider will work best while waiting for the launch of direct cellular services like AST SpaceMobile. Starlink already allows you to connect from nearly anywhere with its Roam plans and Mini dish if you need something on the go.

Our SatelliteInternet.com editorial team bases our analyses on research, results from our speed test tool, and proprietary internet provider data on speeds and pricing. We dig deep to get hard-to-find information on internet plans, fees, and upcoming brand developments. We make this information easy for you to find in one place via our in-depth reviews, and we use our satellite internet industry expertise to analyze the options to help you make the most informed decision for your household.