AST SpaceMobile Moves Forward with Space-Based Cellular Network

Sep 11, 2024
T-Mobile and SpaceX have successfully tested a wireless emergency alert (WEA) via the Starlink network's new direct-to-cell capability. The test message was sent by emergency operators and received by a Starlink direct-to-smartphone satellite currently in low earth orbit.

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).

Sep 12, 2024
This morning, a SpaceX rocket successfully took five new satellites into orbit that will eventually provide satellite service (including 5G data) for existing AT&T and Verizon cell phones in places without cellular coverage. The launch of these "BlueBird" satellites operated by AST SpaceMobile follows a successful testing campaign using "BlueWalker" test satellites (already in orbit) to validate the technology.

Apr 25, 2023
AST SpaceMobile has successfully completed a test of the first full two-way voice call using a standard, off-the-shelf cell phone connecting directly to a satellite in orbit (instead of to a land-based network.) Other recently-announced space connectivity solutions have focused only on messaging, not voice calls, and/or require new phones with added satellite technology. This test used an unmodified Samsung Galaxy S22 connecting directly to AST's BlueWalker 3 test satellite in orbit.

Jun 21, 2023
AST SpaceMobile has conducted a successful test of 4G LTE data service from its test satellite in orbit to a standard, unmodified smartphone using an existing AT&T cellular frequency band. The test "achieved repeated successful download speeds above 10 Mbps", proving the system is capable of more than just basic voice and messaging service.