AST SpaceMobile completed the first-ever space-based call using an everyday smartphone last April after working hard to create the first space-based cellular broadband network. Today, the company announced further tests have been successful at providing download speeds over 10 Mbps with its BlueWalker 3 technology using 4G cellular communications, another history-making event.
“This is an important milestone that will see real mobile broadband connectivity delivered directly to smartphones from space via AST SpaceMobile’s platform. As the RAN provider, we are proud to play a role in this important initiative that will provide crucial connectivity around the world,” said AST SpaceMobile.
Throughout June, AST SpaceMobile engineers have been conducting numerous 4G LTE download test speeds at their site in Hawaii using the AT&T spectrum. Calls made via AT&T’s network to their employees showed speeds of 10.3 Mbps.
“Successfully reaching double-digit download speeds during satellite-to-smartphone testing takes us one step closer to ensuring people across the United States will be able to stay connected no matter their location. This milestone wouldn’t be possible without the overall focus and determination of the teams working daily to achieve our shared space-based vision of connectivity,” said Chris Sambar, Head of AT&T Network.
The BlueWalker 3 technology will help more people get connected with better download speeds and more reliable service. AT&T is just one of over 35 providers forming partnerships with AST SpaceMobile to use the company’s impressive technology.
In a statement by Abel Avellan, Chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile:
“AST SpaceMobile’s space-based cellular capabilities are designed to be a critical extension for cellular communications. In addition to supporting basic voice and text that we expect from phones, it would also enable users to browse the internet, download files, use messaging apps, or stream video. Achieving this milestone from an unmodified, standard cell phone on the ground connecting through our low Earth orbit satellite is another groundbreaking moment in telecommunications history and an important step toward AST SpaceMobile’s goal of bringing broadband services to parts of the world where cellular coverage is either unreliable or simply does not exist today.”