AST SpaceMobile, a company focused on building a space-based cellular broadband network accessible by standard mobile phones, has announced a significant achievement in its testing of BlueWalker 3. Engineers conducted tests in Hawaii using off-the-shelf smartphones and achieved repeated successful download speeds above 10 Mbps, a world-first accomplishment in space-based cellular communications at 4G speeds using unmodified smartphones. The tests utilized AT&T spectrum and Nokia RAN technology, and further evaluation of BlueWalker 3’s capabilities is ongoing, with the next major test activity being the enablement of 5G cellular broadband.

AST SpaceMobile’s goal is to deliver real mobile broadband connectivity directly to smartphones from space through its platform. This breakthrough would provide essential connectivity worldwide, especially in areas with unreliable or nonexistent cellular coverage. The company aims to bridge the digital divide by expanding coverage for wireless companies and bringing cellular broadband services to millions of people who lack access to reliable cellular service.

The successful testing of double-digit download speeds during satellite-to-smartphone communication brings the United States closer to ensuring widespread connectivity regardless of location. AT&T Network’s Head, Chris Sambar, highlights the teams’ focus and determination in achieving the shared space-based vision of connectivity. Vodafone’s Chief Network Officer, Alberto Ripepi, expresses excitement about shrinking the digital divide by achieving these mobile speeds via satellite, especially in hard-to-reach areas of Africa and Europe.

Nokia, as the RAN provider, considers the milestone of delivering real mobile broadband connectivity from space to smartphones as an important achievement. They are proud to contribute to this groundbreaking initiative that will have a global impact on connectivity. AST SpaceMobile has been making significant advancements, including completing the first-ever space-based voice calls using unmodified smartphones and deploying BlueWalker 3, the largest-ever commercial communications array in low-Earth orbit designed for direct communication with cellular devices.

AST SpaceMobile has agreements and understandings with over 35 mobile network operators worldwide, representing approximately 2 billion subscribers. Partners include Vodafone Group, Rakuten Mobile, AT&T, Bell Canada, and many others. These partnerships and investments from companies like Vodafone, Rakuten, American Tower, Samsung NEXT, and Bell Canada demonstrate the industry’s recognition of AST SpaceMobile’s potential.

By leveraging its extensive IP and patent portfolio, AST SpaceMobile aims to eliminate connectivity gaps and bring broadband access to the billions of unconnected individuals worldwide. The company’s mission aligns with the goal of providing universal connectivity and addressing the digital divide. AST SpaceMobile can be followed on various social media platforms for more information about its initiatives and progress in revolutionizing global cellular broadband connectivity from space.