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AT&T Commits to Space-Based Coverage for Dead Zones

May 16, 2024, 11:00 AM by Rich Brome @richbrome

After a series of successful tests, AT&T has signed a firm contract with AST SpaceMobile to provide space-based cellular service in all parts of the US where its terrestrial network does not reach. AST's solution involves launching huge new satellites that can connect directly to existing, off-the-shelf cell phones. T-Mobile is working with SpaceX on a similar system. (Most other services providing satellite connectivity for phones require special support in new phones.) AST conducted a series of tests in 2023 with its test satellite successfully proving voice calls, 4G data, and 5G data. The initial commercial network will consist of five new satellites in low-earth orbit, which will be delivered to SpaceX this summer for launch.

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.

AST SpaceMobile Moves Forward with Space-Based Cellular Network

Mar 10, 2022
Texas-based AST SpaceMobile has signed a contract with SpaceX for multiple launches to place in orbit satellites that will provide service to standard mobile phones in areas that do not otherwise have coverage. The company has tested its unique technology already, but will launch its first full-scale test satellite — BlueWalker 3 (BW3) — this summer.

AST SpaceMobile Cleared to Test Its Cellular-From-Space Tech in US

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.

T-Mobile Teams with SpaceX for Satellite Coverage Using Existing Phones

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).

T-Mobile Tests Wireless Emergency Alert Via Satellite

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.

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imapolymorph

May 18, 2024, 9:08 AM

At&t just needs to go away.

The company has now been found to be paying off legislators to get bills passed. Screw that. Even mention of them on here is feeding the beast

gloopey1

It looks as if the FIRST need to fix their terrestrial network before worrying about expanding into space. What good is filling in dead zones if your entire network is down?

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