- AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) shares fell 13.59% to $49.195 on October 9, 2026, as SpaceX’s satellite expansion and spectrum acquisitions intensified competition.
- The FCC authorized SpaceX to deploy 15,000 direct-to-cell satellites and proposed new spectrum rules, including an auction of 25 MHz and access to an additional 482 MHz.
- AST faces satellite launch delays, a $125.9 mn BlueBird 7 write-off and reduced revenue expectations, although Roth MKM maintains a $108 price target.
AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) shares plunged 13.59% to $49.195 in Friday trading on October 9, 2026, extending a multi-session decline after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorized SpaceX to deploy a 15,000-satellite direct-to-cell network.
The stock was trading at that level at 12:40 p.m. EDT, compared with Thursday’s closing price of $56.93. It had fallen as low as $47.57 during the session, establishing a new 52-week low. At $49.195, AST SpaceMobile shares were approximately 63% below their 52-week high of $133.86.
The decline reflects concerns about SpaceX’s ability to compete directly with AST’s satellite-to-smartphone network, which relies on partnerships with wireless carriers including AT&T and Verizon.
SpaceX also announced an approximately $8 bn agreement to acquire low-band wireless spectrum from Grain Management, subject to regulatory approval.
The transaction would expand Starlink’s ability to provide mobile connectivity through a combination of satellite and terrestrial infrastructure.
AST SpaceMobile faces new FCC spectrum uncertainty
Additional selling pressure followed publication of the FCC’s October 29 meeting agenda, released a day earlier than investors expected.
Clear Street described the proposals as a mixed development for AST SpaceMobile. One measure would make additional spectrum available for leasing under Supplemental Coverage from Space rules, while another would advance an auction of 25 MHz that could support direct-to-device services.
The FCC is also considering making another 482 MHz available for satellite coverage. Clear Street maintained its Buy rating despite the regulatory uncertainty.
Satellite launch delays add pressure to AST stock
AST SpaceMobile was already facing investor concerns over satellite deployment schedules, operating losses and financing requirements.
On October 2, B. Riley downgraded the stock from Buy to Neutral and reduced its price target from $85 to $65, citing increased competition, delayed launches and higher constellation costs.
William Blair subsequently lowered its 2027 revenue estimate from $752 mn to $459 mn, reflecting delays in BlueBird II satellite launches and shipments. The firm maintained its Market Perform rating.
AST has also recorded six consecutive earnings misses and a $125.9 mn write-off related to the BlueBird 7 satellite failure.
The company completed a $1 bn convertible debt offering in July, raising concerns about potential shareholder dilution. Its target of deploying approximately 45 satellites has shifted from the end of 2026 to early 2027 amid launch availability constraints.
Roth MKM has maintained a more positive assessment, retaining its Buy rating and $108 price target.
Technical indicators have added to the pressure. ASTS trades below its 20-day and 200-day simple moving averages, while its 50-day average remains below the 200-day average following a bearish crossover in July.
The latest decline has brought the stock closer to the bottom of its annual trading range, with SpaceX’s regulatory progress and AST’s satellite deployment schedule remaining central concerns for investors.
