SpaceX’s 80,000 Cell Site Push A Win For AST SpaceMobile, Ericsson, Nokia, NextNav, Among Others, Says Roth Capital

Key Points:

• Scotiabank upgraded AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) to "Outperform" from "Sector Perform" and raised its price target to $55.70, citing the strategic value of AST's wholesale 5G model amid SpaceX's ambitions to operate as a planetary carrier.
• Citi analysts viewed the development as positive for tower operators Crown Castle, SBA Communications, and American Tower, but estimated significant valuation risks and downside for major wireless carriers AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
• SpaceX is reportedly negotiating to lease tower capacity at up to 80,000 U.S. sites to support its direct-to-device satellite network, potentially benefiting equipment and spectrum providers like Ericsson, Nokia, Aviat Networks, Ceragon Networks, Anterix, NextNav, and Gogo.
• Major U.S. wireless carriers have urged the FCC to exclude two key 5G spectrum bands from draft rules expanding satellite-to-phone service, citing interference risks and requesting that satellite operators adhere to existing licensing agreements and network standards.
• Retail sentiment around SpaceX's SPCX stock remains extremely bullish, with the stock closing nearly 2% higher at $147.5, above its IPO price but below its all-time highs.