AST SpaceMobile Moves Forward with Space-Based Cellular Network

Jan 5, 2023
Qualcomm has revealed Snapdragon Satellite , the company's solution for connecting Android phones directly to satellites for truly global coverage. The feature uses the Iridium network, a satellite constellation that has has been in operation for 25 years.

Nov 16, 2022
In an interview with Phone Scoop, Brian Mecum, Verizon VP of Device Technology said "satellite is a very interesting space to us", when asked if Verizon planned an answer to T-Mobile's partnership with SpaceX for satellite connectivity. T-Mobile's planned system will allow existing, standard mobile phones to connect directly to SpaceX Starlink satellites for service outside of cellular coverage.

May 5, 2022
The FCC has issued the necessary licenses that will allow AST SpaceMobile to launch and test its unique direct-from-space cellular service within the US. Unlike existing satellite-phone technology, AST's BlueWalker 3 test satellite is designed to communicate directly with off-the-shelf mobile phones using standard cellular technologies like 4G, and standard cellular frequencies.

Aug 25, 2022
T-Mobile and SpaceX today announced a partnership to provide 100% coverage across the US and "vast" parts of oceans using SpaceX's next generation of Starlink satellites, which will be able to connect directly to existing cell phones. The service will use a dedicated "small slice" of the PCS band (the G block of band 25, which is 1910–1915 MHz for uplink and 1990–1995 MHz for downlink).

Nov 29, 2022
Early next year, Bullitt will launch a phone in the US with 2-way messaging directly to satellites. Bullitt currently sells phones under the CAT brand, as well as a select Motorola-branded models.