# AST SpaceMobile Rises on European Deal Despite Viasat FCC Challenge

- URL: https://stocks.freetheai.org/news/ast-spacemobile-rises-on-european-deal-despite-viasat-fcc-challenge-134f76
- Published: 2026-10-20T07:00:00Z
- Category: company_news; sentiment: mixed; impact: medium
- Symbols: [NASDAQ:ASTS](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/NASDAQ-ASTS)
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Shares of AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (ASTS) gained 2.98% to close at $41.87 following an intraday boost driven by the announcement of a new European partnership. The satellite communications company demonstrated relative strength compared to a softer broader communications sector, supported in part by interest from exchange-traded funds.

Despite the recent gains, AST SpaceMobile faces operational and regulatory pressure. Viasat petitioned the Federal Communications Commission to deny AST SpaceMobile's request for additional overseas spectrum, claiming the proposed frequencies lack required waivers and would cause interference with existing mobile-satellite services. Additionally, Piper Sandler downgraded the stock to Neutral on October 13 and lowered its price target to $54 from $98, citing competitive threats from SpaceX's direct-to-cell initiatives and 800 MHz spectrum agreement.

Investors will look to AST SpaceMobile's estimated earnings report on November 9, 2026, for further operational updates. Wall Street analysts expect the company to post a loss per share alongside year-over-year revenue growth, with price targets across the sell side currently spanning from $54 to $93.

## Key points

- AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (ASTS) rose 2.98% to $41.87 following the announcement of a European partnership.
- Viasat petitioned the FCC to deny AST SpaceMobile's request for extra overseas spectrum over interference concerns.
- Piper Sandler downgraded AST SpaceMobile to Neutral with a $54 price target, citing competition from SpaceX.
- AST SpaceMobile is scheduled to report estimated earnings on November 9, 2026, expecting an EPS loss and revenue growth.

## Questions and answers

### Why did Viasat urge the FCC to deny AST SpaceMobile's spectrum request?

Viasat claimed AST SpaceMobile's proposed frequencies would cause interference with existing mobile-satellite services and lack the required waivers.

### When is AST SpaceMobile's next estimated earnings date?

AST SpaceMobile is scheduled to report estimated earnings on November 9, 2026, with expectations for a loss per share alongside year-over-year revenue growth.

### Why did Piper Sandler downgrade AST SpaceMobile stock?

Piper Sandler downgraded the stock to Neutral on October 13 due to concerns over SpaceX's direct-to-cell plans and 800 MHz spectrum deal.