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.
Barcelona-based Sateliot has launched four LEO nanosatellites via SpaceX to expand its satellite IoT services. This move aims to connect eight million devices and secure €30 million in funding. Utilizing a 5G core through AWS, Sateliot’s NB-IoT constellation targets 100% global coverage and offers cost-saving IoT solutions.
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.
In a groundbreaking move, Viasat, Inc., alongside Terrestar Solutions, Ligado Networks, Omnispace, and Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat), have come together to announce the formation of the Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA). This new consortium is set to enhance and promote the burgeoning Direct-to-Device (D2D) communication landscape, promising to deliver unprecedented scale and diversity in mobile satellite services.
In a groundbreaking collaboration, T-Mobile US and SpaceX are gearing up for the field testing of Starlink satellites, heralding a significant stride in eliminating mobile coverage dead zones. While the exact date for the commencement of field testing remains undisclosed, T-Mobile is optimistic about its imminent initiation, stating that the low-Earth orbit deployment of satellites sets the stage for the forthcoming trials.
Amazon’s Project Kuiper and Vodafone join forces to bolster 4G and 5G availability in Europe and Africa using cost-effective low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. This partnership aims to connect distant cellular antennas to core networks, enabling telecom services without relying on intricate fibre-based systems. With a larger goal of bridging the digital divide, the collaboration also plans to offer backup services for disruptions and connect distant infrastructure.
On July 30, 2021, Ariane 5, a European heavy-lift space launch vehicle developed and operated by Arianespace for the European Space Agency, successfully launched its first flight in nearly a year. The aim of the mission is to deploy a pair of geostationary communications satellites for commercial operators in Brazil and France. One of the satellites, called the Star One D2, will be operated by Embratel, a Brazilian telecommunications company. The Star One D2 will give Embratel the ability to expand its broadband coverage to new regions in Central and South America, supply Internet access to those in under-serviced areas, and increase X-band payload for government use in the Atlantic region. The second satellite, named Eutelsat Quantum, which was developed as part of an ESA partnership with satellite operator Eutelsat and major manufacturer Airbus, has an active antenna, a first for the European commercial telecommunications industry. This revolutionary…
OneWeb, a global communications company that provides broadband satellite Internet services around the world, has announced another successful launch of 36 Arianespace satellites from the Vostochny Cosmodrome. With this launch, the company gets closer to reaching their “Five to 50” goal and the lift off of commercial services by the end of this year. The launch took place on May 28th at 18:38 BST. The OneWeb satellites detached from their host rocket and were distributed in nine clusters over 3 hours and 52 minutes. Signals were received from all 36 satellites, indicating their operational status. This launch is the fourth in a series of five total launches needed to complete the “Five to 50” program. The program will allow OneWeb to offer connectivity in all parts of the UK, Alaska, Northern Europe, Greenland, Iceland, the Arctic Seas and Canada. The service is predicted to be available by the end…
MetTel’s new role as a Starlink Authorized Reseller enhances connectivity with low-Earth orbit satellites. This partnership expands voice over IP accessibility, ensuring high-speed, low-latency communications.
The UK’s armed forces will boost their intelligence capabilities with the 2027 launch of the Juno satellite. Led by SSTL, this £40 million project will create 200 skilled jobs, enhance surveillance, and aid environmental monitoring.
