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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.

Telco Buzz

China Telecom Launches Satellite Phone Service in Hong Kong

By Kamile Bigenyte May 13, 2024

In a significant development, Hong Kong residents now have access to China Telecom’s satellite direct-to-phone service, marking a pivotal step in the operator’s expansion strategy. China Telecom has long provided satellite options to mobile customers through a range of devices, including dongles, dedicated satphones, and smartphones equipped with built-in satellite antennas from manufacturers like Huawei.

Telco Buzz

SES to Acquire Intelsat in €2.8 Billion Deal

By Kamile Bigenyte May 2, 2024

Luxembourg-based satellite operator SES has revealed plans to purchase rival Intelsat in a landmark deal worth €2.8 billion. The move, unanimously approved by the boards of both companies, is set to create a formidable multi-orbit operator poised for expanded global coverage and innovation.

Broadband

VMO2’s Satellite Strategy: Bridging UK’s Digital Divide Effectively

By Kamile Bigenyte April 17, 2024

Bridging the digital divide in vast and harsh terrains like the Scottish Highlands, VMO2 embarks on a novel approach, utilizing a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites from Starlink for critical backhaul services. Bypassing conventional, costly terrestrial infrastructure, VMO2’s tests have proven the potency of satellite technology in improving coverage across the UK.

Broadband

FCC Halts SpaceX Spectrum Request: Merits and Risks Evaluated

By Kamile Bigenyte April 3, 2024

SpaceX has hit a roadblock in its ambitious plan to connect consumer devices directly to its next-generation Starlink satellites, as the FCC rejected its request to utilize the 1.6 GHz, 2 GHz, and 2.4 GHz bands. The regulatory agency has halted SpaceX’s bid citing their current policy on limiting new entrants to these bands.

Broadband

Intelsat Expands Satellite Services Beyond Remote Areas

By Kamile Bigenyte March 4, 2024

Intelsat has recently made headlines with several announcements at the Mobile World Congress (MWC), highlighting the evolving role of satellite connectivity in today’s digital world. Among these announcements was the notable expansion of its partnership with Openserve, a South African telecommunications infrastructure provider, to include cutting-edge hardware and enhanced satellite services. This move underscores a broader shift in the satellite connectivity landscape, from a focus on remote areas to a versatile tool for modern telecommunications challenges.

Broadband

Exploring KDDI and SpaceX’s Pioneering Satellite-Cellular Partnership

By Kamile Bigenyte February 29, 2024

The telecommunications sector leaps forward as KDDI and SpaceX bring a game-changing satellite-to-cellular service, intertwining mobile and satellite technologies. Leveraging SpaceX’s Starlink low-earth orbit satellites and KDDI’s national wireless spectrum, the partnership aims to expand urban connectivity into rural areas. While the innovation promises swift deployment and extensive coverage, it also poses challenges, including the need for costly, satellite-enabled handsets.

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.

Broadband

Telstra Activates OneWeb Satellite Connectivity for Remote Mobile Sites

By Kamile Bigenyte February 14, 2024

In a significant development for remote connectivity, Telstra, the Australian telecom giant, has initiated the transition of its remote mobile sites to the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network provided by Eutelsat OneWeb. This move marks a departure from the traditional geostationary (GEO) satellites, aimed at reducing latency issues and meeting the growing demand for real-time services among customers.

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.