AT&T is preparing to transport its subscribers into the space age with a groundbreaking agreement with AST SpaceMobile.
Thanks to the agreement between the two companies, AT&T subscribers will soon have access to uninterrupted cellular service in areas ranging from deep in national parks to remote rural areas.
Here are all the details we know about this amazing deal…
AT&T deal will turn phones into satellite phones
For nearly 7 years, AT&T has partnered with AST SpaceMobile to turn ordinary smartphones into satellite devices, making it possible to communicate via satellites in space.
Thanks to this groundbreaking technology, phones can now make two-way voice calls, text messages, and video calls directly from satellites without relying on cell towers.
AT&T and AST SpaceMobile have signed a commercial agreement to launch five commercial AST satellites into space this summer. These satellites will be the first step in AT&T’s rollout of its satellite-to-phone service and will form the basis of its future satellite constellation.
Satellite race heats up
AT&T’s move is likely to join the satellite-to-phone technology race that T-Mobile and SpaceX have launched with the Starlink project. While T-Mobile and SpaceX aim to offer accessible service even in the middle of the ocean, AT&T’s ambition in this area increases competition and offers consumers more choices.
It is unknown when AT&T’s satellite phone service will be available and how much it will cost. But it is certain to revolutionize communications, especially for people living in remote areas or traveling. AT&T’s ambitious initiative proves once again that the future of communication technology lies in space.
Featured image credit: Mike Gattorna / Unsplash
