- AT&T and AST SpaceMobile have signed a commercial agreement to provide space-based cellular broadband service.
- This service aims to eliminate mobile dead zones and provide seamless connectivity even in remote locations.
- Both companies have already tested the technology, enabling calls and texts between standard smartphones via satellite.
AT&T and AST SpaceMobile have announced a formal commercial agreement to develop a space-based cellular broadband network. This ambitious venture aims to provide direct-to-cell phone service, bypassing traditional cell towers and potentially ensuring seamless communication across the continental United States, even in remote or challenging locations.
The companies have been working together since 2018 and have now formally entered an agreement till 2030. AST SpaceMobile is preparing to send its first five commercial satellites to Cape Canaveral for launch into low Earth orbit. Notably, in 2023, the companies achieved industry firsts by facilitating a voice call, text message, and even a video call between regular smartphones using their space-based connectivity technology.