In a groundbreaking move, AST SpaceMobile, pioneers in space-based cellular broadband accessible by regular mobile devices, has unveiled a landmark in satellite connectivity. They achieved the inaugural 5G voice and data link between a standard smartphone and a space satellite.
Using the AT&T spectrum and AST SpaceMobile’s BlueWalker 3 — the most expansive commercial communication satellite in low Earth orbit — engineers showcased this satellite connectivity by initiating a call from Maui, Hawaii, to Madrid, Spain. The 5G standard, as defined by the 3GPP consortium, is the most advanced wireless technology to date.
On September 8, 2023, this 5G call was made from a Samsung Galaxy S22 in a connectivity blind spot near Hana, HI. The 5G tests were conducted in partnership with Vodafone, AT&T, and Nokia. In another milestone, AST SpaceMobile set a new record for space-based broadband data transfer, reaching around 14 Mbps.
Following their April revelation of achieving space-based voice calls with standard smartphones, AST SpaceMobile in June reported satellite download speeds surpassing 10 Mbps. Their extensive tests since June have included voice, 4G video, and now 5G satellite connectivity. These speeds support internet browsing, file downloads, app usage, video streaming, and more on regular smartphones. A video capturing the 5G test and other milestones with BlueWalker 3 is available for viewing.
Abel Avellan, CEO of AST SpaceMobile, commented, “With the BlueWalker 3 launch, we’ve ensured compatibility with all major phone brands, supporting 2G, 4G LTE, and now 5G. This pioneering 5G satellite connectivity is a monumental step in global telecommunications. Our confidence in space-based broadband’s transformative potential grows, aiming to bridge connectivity gaps worldwide.”
Margherita Della Valle of Vodafone Group remarked on their ambition to bridge the mobile usage divide across Europe and Africa, emphasizing their partnership with AST SpaceMobile. Chris Sambar from AT&T Network highlighted the collaborative efforts in achieving these historic moments in satellite connectivity. Tommi Uitto from Nokia congratulated AST SpaceMobile and emphasized the broader vision of providing essential connectivity to underserved regions.
Chris Sambar, Head of AT&T Network, said: “These moments are extraordinary milestones in telecommunications history. These first-of-a-kind innovations would not be possible without ecosystem-wide collaboration. We’re all working together to achieve the shared vision of space-based connectivity for consumers, businesses and first responders all around the globe.”
Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, said: “We congratulate AST SpaceMobile on their latest incredible achievement in completing a 5G voice call from space. While we are of course proud that our AirScale portfolio is playing a key role in underpinning these networks, we must not lose sight of the bigger picture that space-based cellular broadband can provide crucial connectivity to underserved communities around the world. At Nokia, we believe that everyone should have access to universal broadband services, and we look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with AST SpaceMobile on this game-changing initiative.”
AST SpaceMobile boasts over 2,600 patent claims and a state-of-the-art facility in Midland, Texas. They have collaborations with over 40 global mobile network operators, reaching approximately 2.4 billion subscribers. Notably, Vodafone, Rakuten, American Tower, Samsung NEXT, and Bell Canada have invested in AST SpaceMobile.
These milestones align with AST SpaceMobile’s objective to launch five BlueBird satellites in early 2024, as they continue to redefine the boundaries of satellite connectivity. The BlueBird satellites are currently under construction in their Texas facility.
