AST SpaceMobile is a company that is developing a satellite-based cellular service that will allow you to connect to the internet from regular smartphones without additional devices. It is supported by AT&T and other partners such as Vodafone and Nokia.
On 8 September 2023, AST SpaceMobile and AT&T made the world’s first 5G call between an unmodified smartphone and a satellite in space. They used AT&T’s BlueWalker 3 (BW3) low Earth orbit test satellite and 5G spectrum. The call was made from a Samsung Galaxy S22 from Maui, Hawaii, where there is no conventional cellular coverage, to Madrid, Spain. The call has been confirmed by Vodafone, Nokia and AT&T.
[show_banner id=”22956″]
This was not AST SpaceMobile’s only success. The company also demonstrated 5G data capability with speeds of up to 14 Mbps, allowing you to browse the web, download files, use messengers, watch videos and more via satellite.
AST SpaceMobile plans to launch five commercial BlueBird satellites in the first quarter of 2024 to bring internet access to billions of people around the world. This could revolutionise telecoms and help connect the unconnected