AST SpaceMobile, a satellite phone technology, is promising seamless indoor and outdoor connectivity for customers of AT&T and Verizon. Satellite telecom innovations can bridge gaps in cellular coverage, particularly in rural and remote areas where traditional infrastructure is limited.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
AST SpaceMobile is collaborating with AT&T and Verizon to utilize their 850MHz radio spectrum, which is known for its superior signal penetration. This partnership is expected to enable AST’s satellite-based phone technology to provide reliable coverage across the entire continental United States.
- Superior Signal Penetration: The low-band 850MHz frequencies used in this technology travel longer distances and penetrate deeper into buildings and foliage compared to higher frequencies. This feature ensures that signals reach users even in remote locations.
- Past Achievements: AST SpaceMobile has already demonstrated significant progress with its BlueWalker 3 satellite, achieving download speeds of 21 Mbps and facilitating video calls in outdoor settings. This success is a promising indicator of the potential performance of their full system.
- Competition: AST SpaceMobile will face competition from SpaceX’s Starlink, which also aims to provide both indoor and outdoor connectivity with download speeds reaching 17Mbps. This rivalry is expected to push both companies to enhance their offerings, ultimately benefiting users in cellular dead zones.
- Deployment Timeline: While SpaceX is already operating approximately 90 Starlink satellites and plans to launch its service with T-Mobile later this year, AST SpaceMobile still needs to launch its first production satellites. These launches are anticipated to begin in Q3 or Q4, with more satellites needed to ensure continuous coverage over the US.
TF Summary: What’s Next
AST SpaceMobile’s upcoming launches and the ongoing competition with SpaceX’s Starlink promise advancements in satellite-based phone technology. Users, especially in remote areas, can look forward to improved connectivity and coverage. As both companies work towards full deployment, the mobile communications landscape is set for a transformative change, ensuring that no user is left without a reliable connection.