AST SpaceMobile: AT&T COO's Bullish Grain Spectrum Post

AT&T's COO just gave AST SpaceMobile a massive public endorsement over Grain Management's 800MHz spectrum test. Here's why it matters.

Anpanman breaks down AT&T COO Jeff McElfresh's LinkedIn post congratulating AST SpaceMobile on receiving an FCC Special Temporary Authority to test Grain Management's 800MHz spectrum for satellite direct-to-cell service. Anpanman explains why the timing and wording of the post, published before the Bloomberg article on Grain's spectrum sale, ranks among the most bullish signals for ASTS stock in recent memory.

The discussion covers how Grain Management's 800MHz spectrum sits directly adjacent to AT&T and Verizon's 850MHz holdings, potentially allowing for wider combined channels for satellite-based connectivity. Anpanman ties this to McElfresh's reference to AT&T's satellite joint venture, suggesting the carriers, including T-Mobile which has economic upside tied to Grain's spectrum, may be coordinating closely with AST SpaceMobile rather than competing for the spectrum.

Anpanman also addresses the Bloomberg report claiming Grain is seeking $6 billion for its spectrum and that AST SpaceMobile or SpaceX could be interested buyers, noting John Slinky's denial and speculating on what a first round of interest expected in early September could reveal. The episode wraps with a note that satellite shipping updates for AST SpaceMobile are expected imminently.

00:00 Introduction

00:19 AT&T COO's LinkedIn Post on Grain Management

01:38 Jeff McElfresh's Close Ties to AST SpaceMobile

02:07 Breaking Down the LinkedIn Post

04:05 Grain's 800MHz vs AT&T/Verizon 850MHz Spectrum

04:35 Implications for the Carrier Joint Venture

05:03 Bloomberg's $6 Billion Grain Spectrum Report

06:19 T-Mobile's Economic Stake in Grain Spectrum

06:33 First Round of Interest Due Early September

07:17 Shipping Update and Closing Thoughts

🎙️ Catch all episodes on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u6rTxenTvGw4STNbjswAk

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👕 Get the Gear: https://spacemob.printify.me/

📩 AST SpaceMobile Podcast Newsletter: https://ast-spacemobile-podcast.beehiiv.com/

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