Home › News ›

AST Completes Voice Call via Satellite Using Regular Cell Phone

Apr 25, 2023, 8:28 AM by Rich Brome

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. It took place in Texas using AT&T radio frequencies; AT&T plans to use AST's system to provide coverage in remote areas. AST has completed additional tests that "confirm the ability to support cellular broadband speeds", as well as multiple cellular technologies from 2G to 5G. Tests also confirm compatibility with a variety of different phones and other cellular devices.

Related

Samsung Refreshes Galaxy S Series with S Pen, New Cameras

Feb 9, 2022
Samsung today announced its lineup of flagship phones for 2022: the Galaxy S22 series. The top-end S22 Ultra sees the biggest changes as it essentially absorbs Samsung's Note series with an integrated S Pen stylus and a more Note-like shape and design, instead of the Contour Cut design of the other models.

iPhone 14 Plus Offers a Big Screen For Less

Sep 7, 2022
Apple has revealed the iPhone 14 series, with new features, improved specs, and new size options. In place of a Mini option, the iPhone 14 will come in the same 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch screen size options as the Pro models.

Qualcomm Taps Iridium for Satellite Connectivity

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.

Verizon Working on a Phone-to-Satellite Solution

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.

Samsung Expands Mid-Range Lineup with Galaxy A35 5G

Apr 18, 2024
Samsung is bringing more mid-range phones to the US this year with the introduction of the Galaxy A35 5G. Samsung brought the Galaxy A32 5G to the US in late 2021, but the A33 and A34 skipped the US.

more news about:

Comments

This forum is closed.

This forum is closed.

gloopey1

Apr 25, 2023, 10:41 PM

This Has Been a Long Time Coming

Many people think that cell phones communicate via satellite, but mostly they don't. Other than GPS, which still relies on cell towers for triangulation and map downloads, most cellular communications have been via land-based towers, which in turn are connected via underground cables. The obvious limitations within the current system are the terrain and gaps between towers. Satellites provide coverage over oceans and atop mountains.

We've all forgotten the main reason that we wanted mobile devices: to be able to reach someone for emergency assistance while traveling. As cellular technology has expanded, some of the coverage once enjoyed in the analog days has gone. This may be just the thing to bridge those gaps and provide coverage wher...
(continues)

Page 1 of 1