T · News · 20260821N

Direct-to-Device Satellite Venture

AT&T INC. · 2026-08-21 · Importance 31 · Surprise 42

The FCC granted AST SpaceMobile temporary approval to test direct-to-device mobile satellite connectivity for smartphones using 800MHz spectrum. AT&T COO Jeff McElfresh called the tests a milestone for closing connectivity gaps and said satellite service would complement AT&T’s fiber and 5G networks. Testing is limited to specified areas in Texas and Maryland and will continue through September 12, creating a near-term validation milestone for AT&T’s satellite connectivity strategy.

Key facts

• AT&T INC. noted that AST SpaceMobile's tests will run until September 12. source
• KBC Group NV reduced its stake in AT&T INC. by 47.4% in the second quarter, selling over 2.2 million shares but still retaining 2.51 million shares valued at $52 million. source
• AT&T INC. is cited by AT&T COO Jeff McElfresh as calling AST SpaceMobile’s 800MHz tests a "milestone" for closing connectivity gaps and viewing satellite service as a complement to existing fiber and 5G networks. source
• Russell Investments Group Ltd. sold 355,986 shares of AT&T INC., reducing its stake by 3.3% in the second quarter but still retaining over 10 million shares valued at approximately $217.7 million. source
• AT&T INC. noted that the AST SpaceMobile 800MHz D2D tests are limited to specific areas in Texas and Maryland. source
• Tim Moore sold AT&T INC. shares worth between $50,001 and $100,000 on August 14, 2026, as disclosed in a congressional trade report. source
• HighTower Advisors LLC sold 166,385 shares of AT&T INC., but still retains over 2.5 million shares valued at approximately $53.7 million. source
• AT&T INC. pays a quarterly dividend that provides an annualized yield of about 4.4%. source