AT&T and AST SpaceMobile make out of this world connection

AT&T partnered with the tech company to complete another successful video call by satellite over AT&T spectrum.

Paul Martella
·Managing Editor
·2 min read
28
A computer rendering of AST SpaceMobile's five first-generation Block 1 BlueBird commercial satellites in low Earth orbit.
A computer rendering of AST SpaceMobile's five first-generation Block 1 BlueBird commercial satellites in low Earth orbit. (AST SpaceMobile)

Dallas, we have a connection.

Using BlueBird satellites launched last September, AST SpaceMobile initiated a video call in Midland, Texas, to an everyday smartphone at AT&T offices in Dallas. This milestone marks the second successfully completed video call using AT&T spectrum. The first call was back in June 2023.

[Offer: Learn how everyone gets the iPhone 16 Pro on AT&T]

The advancement in space-based technology is making communication more accessible and reliable for consumers, businesses and first responders, especially in rural, remote and wilderness areas.

"We know our customers want connectivity wherever they are, and they deserve a simple, seamless experience from one provider,” said Jeff McElfresh, chief operating officer, AT&T. “We are striving to provide everyone, from urban centers to remote areas, with access to reliable connectivity. This is about more than technology. It's about empowering people and communities everywhere.”

A photo from low Earth orbit showing the fully unfolded, 700 sq. ft. array of AST SpaceMobile's SM4 Block 1 BlueBird commercial satellite.
A photo from low Earth orbit showing the fully unfolded, 700 sq. ft. array of AST SpaceMobile's SM4 Block 1 BlueBird commercial satellite. (AST SpaceMobile)

This video call by satellite over AT&T spectrum marks the latest achievement in a string of milestones for AT&T and AST SpaceMobile:

  • April 2023: first two-way voice call over AT&T spectrum

  • June 2023: first over-the-top video application call over AT&T spectrum

  • September 2023: first direct-to-cellular 5G call over AT&T spectrum

  • January 2024: public safety's mission-critical capabilities and First Priority® successfully tested in collaboration with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority)

  • May 2024: AT&T and AST SpaceMobile enter into a definitive commercial agreement

  • September 2024: first five commercial satellites launched, called BlueBirds

While satellite technology is transforming communication for consumers and businesses, the advancements are already making communication more accessible and reliable for first responders on FirstNet®, Built with AT&T. In coordination with the FirstNet Authority, AT&T has successfully tested push-to-talk services and always-on priority and preemption capabilities in a lab setting. This is another key step to delivering America's first responders expansive connectivity on FirstNet.

The information included within this article is AT&T-sponsored content written by a Currently Media editorial contributor. The statements in this article do not necessarily reflect the positions, strategies or opinions of AT&T.

Recommended Stories