AT&T, the venerable powerhouse of telecommunications, has teamed up with the aerospace company AST SpaceMobile to craft a first-of-its-kind space-based network aimed at directly linking ordinary cell phones to broadband services. The deal they’ve struck extends through 2030 and stands as a bold stride forward in the realm of connectivity. As of now, the intricate blueprint for the deployment of this innovative network hinges on the launch of pioneering satellites into low-earth orbit—an endeavor slated for execution this summer from the historic grounds of Cape Canaveral.This collaboration between AT&T and AST SpaceMobile was initiated in 2018, with AT&T playing a crucial role in offering its extensive expertise in network technology. Their collective efforts thus far have produced remarkable advancements, such as the successful transmission of voice calls, text messages, and video calls in 2023—achieved through standard smartphones without the need for specialized equipment. The commercial reality of a direct-to-cell phone space network is emblematic of the groundbreaking work in the telecommunications industry.
