High-flying partnership: AT&T teams up with AST SpaceMobile to elevate communication capabilities
In a significant leap towards enhancing global connectivity, AT&T, in partnership with AST SpaceMobile, has been testing mission-critical push-to-talk services and always-on priority and pre-emption capabilities, as well as conducting trials for public safety's mission-critical capabilities and First Priority in collaboration with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority).
The collaboration between these tech giants marks a significant step in the quest for reliable satellite-based connectivity, with the ultimate goal of providing everyone, including those in urban centers and remote areas, with access to this essential service.
In September 2023, AT&T made history by successfully completing the first direct-to-cellular 5G call over its own spectrum using satellite technology. This milestone was followed by the completion of a video call by satellite over AT&T spectrum between AT&T and AST SpaceMobile, using the BlueBird satellites, last September. AT&T's customers with capable devices already have access to satellite features such as peer-to-peer messaging and emergency satellite services.
AST SpaceMobile, a company dedicated to providing cellular connectivity through satellite technology, has made substantial progress in its endeavour. The company launched its first five BlueBird satellites in September 2024, using SpaceX's services. AST plans to conduct five scheduled orbital launches over the next six-to-nine months, although these plans have encountered delays due to Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket launch schedule being pushed back.
AST SpaceMobile has secured crucial partnerships and financing to support its satellite manufacturing and deployment plans. The company has a spectrum deal with Ligado Networks, involving payments for access to L-band spectrum, which is essential for AST's operations in North America. This deal combines with cellular spectrum from partners like AT&T and Verizon.
In May 2024, AT&T and AST SpaceMobile entered into a definitive commercial agreement. This collaboration gives new meaning to long-distance calling, with the first over-the-top video application call over AT&T spectrum using satellite technology achieved in June 2023, and the first two-way voice call over AT&T spectrum using satellite technology in April 2023.
The collaboration between AT&T and AST SpaceMobile is set to empower people and communities everywhere, with the potential for future collaboration in enhancing public safety networks like FirstNet. While specific details about AST SpaceMobile's integration with FirstNet are not currently available, the partnerships with major carriers like AT&T suggest a promising future for this technology in the field of public safety.
As every new call and connection is made, AT&T and AST SpaceMobile are building a future where two-way connectivity broadband could be available even in the most remote areas. This is another key step on their path to delivering America's first responders expansive connectivity on FirstNet.
The collaboration between AT&T and AST SpaceMobile, two tech giants working on satellite-based connectivity, has led to significant advancements in the realm of space-and-astronomy and technology. Following the success of the first direct-to-cellular 5G call over AT&T's own spectrum, they aim to provide essential services like science-based communications to everyone, including those in urban centers and remote areas.
