REFILE-BUZZ-AST SpaceMobile jumps after FCC approval

Refiles to remove extraneous words in 4th bullet

** Shares of satellite communications firm AST SpaceMobile ASTS.O up 13.7% at $20.71 on Fri after co said Federal Communications Commission authorized it to test service in the U.S. via its partnerships with AT&T T.N and Verizon VZ.N

** Midland, Texas co l ate Thurs said FCC granted it a Special Temporary Authority, adding that the approval enables its five commercial BlueBird satellites to provide voice, data and video applications on both firms' premium low-band wireless spectrum without special software or devices or updates

** "....we are now accelerating our path to commercial activity, starting with testing service with off-the-shelf cellular handsets on AT&T and Verizon networks" - Chief Commercial Officer Chris Ivory

** In Nov, Jeff Bezos' rocket company Blue Origin signed multi-launch deal with ASTS to deploy the firm's direct-to-cellular satellites

** With move on the session, ASTS shares down ~2% YTD. Stock closed at $2.87 a year ago

** All 5 analysts covering ASTS rate stock "buy" with median PT of $36, per LSEG data