Key Takeaways:
- AT&T and AST SpaceMobile successfully performed a video conversation from satellite to a smartphone using AT&T airwaves.
- This represents a big step towards making communication more accessible and dependable for consumers, companies, and first responders, particularly in rural, remote, and wilderness locations.
- Nearly half of AT&T customers now have access to peer-to-peer messaging and emergency satellite services.
AT&T and AST SpaceMobile successfully performed a video conversation via satellite over AT&T airwaves utilising the BlueBird satellites launched in September. These are the same satellites that will be utilised to launch commercial services. This event is an important milestone in the drive for improved global connection. In June 2023, AST completed the first video conversation using AT&T airwaves via the BlueWalker 3 satellite.
AST SpaceMobile started the video call from Midland, Texas to AT&T in Dallas, showcasing the seamless integration of space-based communication technologies with common devices. It was one modest step for man, yet it resulted in one gigantic bond for humanity.
“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.”
Together, we’ve given new meaning to long-distance calling with the following milestones:
- 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
The significance of this moment demonstrates how satellite technology is altering communication, making it more accessible and dependable for consumers, companies, and public safety on FirstNet®, Built with AT&T. AT&T, in collaboration with the FirstNet Authority, has previously successfully tested mission-critical push-to-talk services, as well as always-on priority and preemption capabilities, in a lab setting and expects to be the first provider to enable these features via satellite. This is another important step towards providing expanded access to America’s first responders via FirstNet, the nation’s largest public safety network.
While we prepare to launch this new service, consumers with compatible devices can already utilise satellite capabilities such as peer-to-peer messaging and emergency satellite services1.
With each new conversation and connection, we are creating a future in which the sky is no longer the limit and two-way communication broadband is accessible even in the most remote locations.