AT&T and AST SpaceMobile will provide satellite communications to ordinary smartphones
Mobile operator AT&T and satellite operator AST SpaceMobile are joining forces to provide satellite communications for standard smartphones.
This is provided for by a long-term commercial partnership, which runs until 2030. This initiative will first cover the United States, and then all countries of the world.
The first five satellites, providing coverage anywhere in the continental United States, will launch this summer.
As part of the commercial agreement, AT&T network chief Chris Sambar will take a seat on the board of directors of satellite operator AST SpaceMobile. The telecom giant will work closely with the satellite provider to test, troubleshoot and further develop the satellite constellation, initially focused on the continental US.
AT&T has not yet announced when the service will begin or how much it will cost.
SpaceX, in collaboration with T-Mobile, is working on a similar network.
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