Making it possible for any mobile phone to function as a satellite phone is the objective.
With this new development, AST SpaceMobile is moving closer to its ultimate objective of establishing a mobile communications network that is based in space. This network would transform any normal smartphone into a satellite phone, without the need for any additional hardware. It was announced that the launch of its network of five commercial satellites into low-Earth orbit is set to take place on September 12th, and the launch took place smoothly this morning. You are able to see the launch below; the countdown to ten seconds begins at 1:16:09 in the video.
The five BlueBird satellites owned by the firm are outfitted with communications arrays that are designed to deliver voice, data, and video speeds comparable to those of a broadband tower to cellphones that are available for purchase in the market today. Following their launch into orbit, the satellites belonging to AST will be able to offer “non-continuous cellular broadband service across the United States and in select markets globally.” It is possible for the network to enable unmodified mobile phones to function as satellite phones. This would give cell phone users the opportunity to connect even in regions that have limited coverage from broadband towers, such as rural settlements or national parks.
This BlueBird network will initially concentrate on providing service to beta test users who are connected to the AT&T and Verizon networks (at the beginning). In May, AST was successful in contracting with AT&T to provide satellite communication services to the company’s consumers. In April 2023, the firm collaborated with AT&T to successfully execute its first two-way voice conversation across its satellites. In June 2023, the company also successfully completed a test of its 4G data download capabilities successfully.
As at 11:07 AM Eastern Time on September 12th, 2024: A new version of this article has been published to confirm that the launch was carried out without any problems this morning.