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.
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.
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.
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.
Ofcom’s bold proposal positions the UK as Europe’s pioneer in direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services, enhancing mobile connectivity by bypassing traditional equipment. Utilizing existing 4G and 5G spectrum, this approach promises to boost rural coverage and drive innovation.
Verizon has expanded its satellite-based direct-to-cell texting service, enhancing connectivity for select Android users. This upgrade enables text messaging via satellite, benefiting those outside traditional networks.
Ericsson has joined the Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA) to promote Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) and advance direct-to-cellular and IoT communications. This collaboration leverages satellite spectrum to enhance mobile coverage globally. With MSSA’s focus on integrating terrestrial and satellite networks, Ericsson aims to provide seamless, reliable connectivity worldwide.
The National Advertising Review Board (NARB) has urged AT&T to revise its claims about its Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS) following a challenge from T-Mobile US. AT&T’s advertisement implied the advanced VoIP service is operational, which is misleading. Transparent communication in the evolving VoIP and satellite communications landscape is essential.
Amazon’s Project Kuiper, which birthed two prototype satellites aimed to test potential satellite broadband service, operates similarly to Space-X’s Starlink and OneWeb. The venture is set to increase internet connectivity in remote areas using an extensive satellite constellation. Still, the delay in launching has welcomed accumulating competition. Rabid advancements by competitors including satellite direct-to-device technology pioneers and those concentrating on 5G NTN IoT services could tilt the scales. Would adopting the 5G NTN-compatible network give Project Kuiper a competitive edge? Or will the ongoing innovations by industry leaders overshadow it? However, underlying operational challenges and time constraints might hamper Amazon from contemplating a substantial shift in direction.
AT&T challenges T-Mobile’s plan to harness SpaceX’s satellite services for improved mobile network coverage, citing potential interference and spectrum allocation violations. This rivalry intensifies the race to offer extensive coverage in hard-to-reach areas.
