Vodafone key partner AST SpaceMobile has received government permission test its satellite-to-cellular service in the United States.
The tests will use the 850 MHz spectrum bands licensed to AT&T and Verizon and aim to validate satellite network performance, especially in areas with limited or no traditional cellular coverage.
The FCC has authorised trials using Band 14 spectrum, reserved for FirstNet, the U.S.public safety broadband network. These tests aim to improve emergency response by ensuring reliable communication in disaster zones and hard-to-reach areas.
This approval allows AST SpaceMobile’s first five commercial BlueBird satellites, currently in low Earth orbit, to connect directly with unmodified smartphones using premium low-band spectrum from AT&T and Verizon.
AST SpaceMobile can now speed up the rollout of its satellite-to-phone services, collaborating with AT&T, Verizon, and Vodafone to bring this connectivity solution to market.
AST SpaceMobile’s tech provides seamless mobile broadband connectivity directly from satellites.
Vodafone recently showcased the technology by completing a satellite video call using a standard smartphone from a remote location in Wales (below). This demonstration highlights the practicality of integrating satellite connectivity into everyday mobile devices.
The BlueBird satellites are engineered to deliver voice, data, and video services to standard 4G and 5G smartphones—without requiring special hardware or software modifications. Each satellite is equipped with large phased-array antennas capable of supporting data transmission speeds of up to 120 Mbps.
The company plans to deploy a constellation of satellites to achieve near-global coverage, targeting connectivity gaps in remote and underserved regions (Midland Reporter-Telegram, The Verge).
Beyond commercial use, AST SpaceMobile is working with AT&T to test satellite connectivity for public safety communications.
