AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS), a pioneering company in the field of space-based cellular broadband networks, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by successfully establishing the first-ever 5G connection for voice and data between an everyday, unmodified smartphone and a satellite in space. This achievement marks a significant advancement in telecommunications and has the potential to transform global internet connectivity.
On September 8, 2023, AST SpaceMobile engineers demonstrated space-based 5G connectivity by initiating a call from a Samsung Galaxy S22 smartphone located in a wireless dead zone near Hana, Hawaii, to a Vodafone engineer in Madrid, Spain. This historic connection was made possible using AT&T spectrum and AST SpaceMobile’s BlueWalker 3 test satellite, which is the largest-ever commercial communications array deployed in low Earth orbit.
The significance of this achievement lies in the fact that 5G mobile networking represents the cutting edge of wireless technology, offering the fastest speeds, highest throughput, lowest latency, and exceptional flexibility. The 5G call, made via satellite, showcases the potential for advanced connectivity even in remote or underserved areas.
This accomplishment builds upon previous milestones achieved by AST SpaceMobile. In April, the company announced the completion of the first-ever space-based voice calls using unmodified smartphones. Subsequently, in June, they revealed initial download speeds exceeding 10 Mbps. The company’s ongoing testing program, conducted in collaboration with partners like Vodafone, AT&T, and Nokia, has continued to push the boundaries of space-based cellular broadband. It includes additional voice calls, 4G video calls, and now 5G cellular broadband connections.
Abel Avellan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AST SpaceMobile, expressed their commitment to advancing telecommunications: “Once again, we have achieved a significant technological advancement that represents a paradigm shift in access to information. Since the launch of BlueWalker 3, we have achieved full compatibility with phones made by all major manufacturers and support for 2G, 4G LTE, and now 5G. Making the first successful 5G cellular broadband connections from space directly to mobile phones is yet another significant advancement in telecommunications AST SpaceMobile has pioneered. We are more confident than ever that space-based cellular broadband can help transform internet connectivity across the globe by filling in gaps and connecting the unconnected.”
The partnership between AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone is instrumental in bridging the mobile usage gap in Europe and Africa. Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group Chief Executive, emphasized this commitment: “Vodafone is striving to close the mobile usage gap for millions of people across Europe and Africa. By making the world’s first space-based 5G call to Europe, we have taken another important step in realizing that ambition. We’re excited to be at the forefront of space technology through our partnership with AST SpaceMobile.”
Chris Sambar, Head of AT&T Network, emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving these remarkable milestones: “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, highlighted the broader implications of space-based cellular broadband: “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.”
AST SpaceMobile’s commitment to expanding access to broadband is further supported by its numerous patents and patent-pending claims, totaling over 2,600. The company has also established state-of-the-art facilities in Midland, Texas, spanning 185,000 square feet. Additionally, AST SpaceMobile has agreements and understandings with more than 40 mobile network operators globally, serving approximately 2.4 billion existing subscribers. Notable investors in AST SpaceMobile include Vodafone, Rakuten, American Tower, Samsung NEXT, and Bell Canada.
This series of historic achievements serves as a prelude to AST SpaceMobile’s ambitious goal of launching five commercial BlueBird satellites in the first quarter of 2024. These milestones underscore the company’s relentless pursuit of pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the field of telecommunications. Currently, the company is actively constructing BlueBird satellites at its facility in Midland, Texas, further solidifying its position as a leader in the space-based cellular broadband industry.