AST SpaceMobile has secured a U.S. government contract under the SDA’s HALO program, enabling it to compete in prototype space tech projects. This milestone positions the company to demonstrate its large BlueBird satellite arrays for government use, with potential applications in secure communication.
Chris Sambar’s departure from AT&T marks a significant shift in the telecommunications realm. As the driving force behind AT&T’s VOIP, 5G, and fiber expansion, Sambar’s legacy shapes the future of connectivity. His transition to AST SpaceMobile promises to revolutionize communications, pushing the boundaries of global networking and bridging connectivity gaps.
AST SpaceMobile’s five BlueBird satellites are set to launch on September 12, heralding the start of their commercial non-terrestrial network services in collaboration with carriers like Verizon and AT&T. This pivotal event not only enhances global cellular connectivity but also signifies a major milestone in low Earth orbit telecommunications.
AST SpaceMobile is gearing up for a significant milestone with the upcoming launch of its first commercial satellites. Set for early August, the five new Bluebird satellites will enhance the company’s ability to offer non-continuous commercial VoIP services. Once deployed in low Earth orbit, these satellites will revolutionize remote mobile coverage via direct-to-device communications.
Last month, AST SpaceMobile secured a partnership with Verizon to leverage its upcoming satellite network for comprehensive connectivity across the U.S. Since then, the company’s value has surged, with its share price climbing 70%, marking its highest level since November 2022.
Verizon has entered into a $100 million agreement with AST SpaceMobile to extend satellite coverage across the United States. This partnership aims to achieve 100% geographical coverage by utilizing the 850 MHz spectrum, particularly in areas lacking traditional terrestrial service.
AT&T takes a significant leap forward in its plans to offer satellite direct-to-phone services following the finalization of commercial terms with low Earth orbit (LEO) operator AST SpaceMobile. The agreement sets the stage for AT&T to provide non-terrestrial network (NTN) coverage through SpaceMobile’s constellation until 2030. Although a firm launch date for SpaceMobile’s network is yet to be confirmed, AT&T anticipates the delivery of the first commercial satellites to Cape Canaveral this summer.
AST SpaceMobile has made history by successfully connecting a direct voice call between the United States and Japan via its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, using standard smartphones. The use of standard smartphones makes this a world first, as no one has previously achieved a direct voice connection from space to unmodified cellular devices. AST SpaceMobile partnered with some of its mobile operator partners, including AT&T, Rakuten, and Vodafone, to make the connection. The test call was made using AT&T spectrum and a Samsung Galaxy S22 smartphone in the Midland, Texas area, connecting to Rakuten in Japan. The successful test call validated AST SpaceMobile’s network architecture and systems, including its BW3 satellite, which it describes as the largest commercial communications array in low-earth orbit. The call also paves the way for space-based cellular broadband. AST SpaceMobile’s goal is to provide coverage to close to 50% of the world’s population…
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has given AST SpaceMobile, a five-year-old company located in Midland, Texas, permission to test a satellite that has the potential to deliver cellular broadband access for smartphone users in the US and throughout the world. According to the business, it is developing the first and only space-based cellular broadband network that will be immediately accessible by regular mobile phones. SpaceMobile, the company’s proposed network, intends to provide 4G/5G access to everyone on the world, on land, at sea, and in the air. No matter where they are, mobile customers will be able to seamlessly roam from terrestrial networks to the space-based network. AST SpaceMobile is launching BlueWalker 3, a test satellite meant to interact directly with mobile phones using 3GPP standard frequencies. The FCC has granted the business an experimental license for BlueWalker 3 space-to-ground testing in the United States. At least…
In an ambitious move to enhance mobile connectivity across Japan, Rakuten Mobile has announced its plan to offer satellite-to-mobile services by 2026, partnering with AST SpaceMobile. This initiative aims to leverage AST SpaceMobile’s space-based cellular broadband network, enabling direct access to smartphones for text messaging, voice, and data services.
