The FCC has approved AT&T and AST SpaceMobile to test direct-to-cell satellite connectivity for FirstNet. This initiative aims to enhance public safety communications by extending reliable service to remote and disaster-affected areas through low Earth orbit satellites.
AT&T’s collaboration with Karrier One marks a transformative shift in global Wi-Fi offload strategy, integrating vast Wi-Fi infrastructure with a decentralized wireless framework. As mobile users increasingly rely on Wi-Fi, this partnership ensures seamless transitions between cellular and Wi-Fi networks.
Celona’s recent certification by AT&T for its neutral-host system enhances indoor CBRS coverage, paving the way for better cellular connectivity where it’s often lacking. This system is more cost-effective than traditional Distributed Antenna Systems, providing multi-operator support and improving coverage.
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.
AT&T is in talks to acquire Lumen Technologies’ consumer fiber segment, potentially expanding its customer base. This acquisition, valued at $5.5 billion, aims to add over 4 million new fiber connections, aligning perfectly with AT&T’s fiber expansion plans. If successful, this move will help AT&T reach its ambitious target of covering 50 million premises by 2029.
BT is in talks with AT&T and Orange to explore partnerships for its international operations, possibly leading to a partial sale. This move aligns with CEO Allison Kirkby’s UK-focused strategy, following BT’s recent sale of its Irish operations.
AT&T has set a new record in fiber-optic networks, achieving 1.6 Tbps over a 296-km commercial route between Newark and Philadelphia. This milestone, powered by Ciena and Broadcom technology, gives AT&T an edge in the telecom race.
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.
AT&T topped RootMetrics’ second-half 2024 network testing for overall performance at national and state levels. However, Verizon and T-Mobile outpaced AT&T in 5G capabilities. While AT&T excelled in reliability and speed, Verizon led in 5G experience, and T-Mobile dominated availability.
AT&T and Nokia are deepening their collaboration to enhance AT&T’s voice network with Voice over New Radio (VoNR) and cloud-based infrastructure. This partnership optimizes network efficiency, leveraging Nokia’s Cloud Platform to automate service delivery.
