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Broadband

AT&T Advances Satellite Direct-to-Phone Services with AST SpaceMobile Agreement

By Kamile Bigenyte May 17, 2024

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.

Telecom News

AST SpaceMobile makes world’s first smartphone call via space

By Aiste Kryzanovske April 27, 2023

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…

Telecom News

AST SpaceMobile to test direct-to-smartphone satellite broadband

By Aiste Kryzanovske May 5, 2022

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…

Broadband

Vodafone and AST Launch SatCo for Space-Based Connectivity

By Kamile Bigenyte March 5, 2025

SatCo, a collaboration between Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile, is set to revolutionize telecommunications by delivering space-based cellular broadband across Europe. This initiative ensures continuous connectivity, even in remote areas, enhancing digital sovereignty.

Broadband

Vodafone and AST’s Space-Based Partnership Revolutionizes Connectivity

By Kamile Bigenyte December 10, 2024

As telecommunications swiftly evolve, Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile’s partnership is pivotal. By offering space-based cellular broadband, their agreement redefines access beyond traditional networks.

Telco Buzz

FirstNet Surpasses 7M Users with Major Network Expansions

By Kamile Bigenyte April 1, 2025

FirstNet now exceeds 7 million subscribers, covering nearly 3 million square miles. AT&T continues expanding the network, adding 20,000 square miles and enhancing coverage with AST SpaceMobile’s Non-Terrestrial Networks. Indoor connectivity also improves with HPUE and signal boosters. As FirstNet grows, public safety groups push for its reauthorization.

Broadband

Verizon and AT&T Achieve Satellite Video Call Breakthrough

By Kamile Bigenyte February 25, 2025

Verizon and AT&T have achieved a breakthrough in satellite connectivity, completing NTN video calls via AST SpaceMobile’s Bluebird LEO satellites. This innovation enhances communication in remote areas, with AST SpaceMobile promising 120 Mbps speeds.

Broadband

Vodafone Achieves World’s First Satellite Video Call Milestone

By Kamile Bigenyte January 31, 2025

Vodafone has achieved a world first: a non-terrestrial video call using an unmodified 4G/5G smartphone via AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites. This milestone highlights the fusion of satellite and cellular networks, extending coverage to remote areas.

Broadband

Rakuten Mobile to Launch Satellite Mobile Services in Japan by 2026

By Kamile Bigenyte February 19, 2024

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.

News Roundup

A quick roundup of the news in Telecoms | Week #4

By Kamile Bigenyte January 26, 2024

AST SpaceMobile secures a funding boost of $206.5 million from AT&T, Google, and Vodafone. Used smartphone market saw a robust 9.5% growth, while the new smartphone market faced a 3.2% decline. Nokia and Oppo have resolved their patent dispute with a multi-year cross-licensing agreement on 5G technology. ASC Americas partners with Wilmac Technologies to integrate ASC’s “Recording Insights” into Wilmac’s services. Mavenir has secured a contract to modernize messaging capabilities for Deutsche Telekom networks.