How Much Spectrum Are AT&T and Verizon Really Sharing with AST?

Previously we discussed the available channel size AST's supplemental coverage from space.  In this post we want to examine what Verizon and AT&T are giving up in this agreement. 

As a reminder the space link is determined by the type and amount of spectrum that each of the carrier partners own in a particular market.  AST plans to utilize the cellular A' channel (845 to 846.5) and the B' channel (846.5 to 849) to provide a maximum bandwidth of 4x4 MHz. In the 700 MHz band the 1.4 MHz channel is placed at the upper end of the 710-716 MHz channel.

• 4x4 MHz is the supported configuration when both cellular bands are controlled by two partners
• 2.5x2.5 MHz is the supported configuration when only Cellular B band is controlled by partners
• 1.5x1.5 MHz is the supported configuration when only the Cellular A band is controlled by partners
• 1.4x1.4 MHz  is utilized from AT&T's 700MHz C block when neither partner controls the cellular spectrum in a market or either partner controls both cellular bands

The table below highlights the number of markets (counties) supported by each carrier, the configuration, and the supporting frequency band.

The following maps highlight the spectrum bands and markets that AT&T and Verizon have included in their agreement with AST.

The true measure of the spectrum surrendered by Verizon and AT&T is determined by the MHz-POPs of the channels/markets they are sharing with AST SpaceMobile.  It is interesting to note that the MHz-POPs provided by AT&T and Verizon are nearly identical.