AT&T and AST SpaceMobile on Wednesday forged a definitive commercial agreement to deliver a space-based broadband network directly to standard cell phones until 2030. This will substantially enhance connectivity for individuals and businesses across the nation.

Commercial Agreement Between AT&T and AST

This summer, AST SpaceMobile intends to transport its initial commercial satellites to Cape Canaveral for deployment into low Earth orbit. These first five satellites will facilitate commercial service, building on previous significant achievements. Notable milestones in 2023 included the first voice call, text, and video call via space using everyday smartphones, marking industry firsts.

Since 2018, the two companies have been working towards this goal under a memorandum of understanding. AT&T remains a crucial partner in this innovative connectivity solution, with Chris Sambar, Head of Network for AT&T, will soon be joining AST SpaceMobile's board of directors as part of the agreement. AT&T will continue its direct collaboration with AST SpaceMobile in developing, testing, and resolving issues with this technology to achieve satellite coverage across the continental US.

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Network Companies' Connectivity Vision

Jeff McElfresh, Chief Operating Officer at AT&T, stated that space-based direct-to-mobile technology is aimed at offering customers connectivity by complementing and integrating with their existing mobile network. He emphasized that this agreement represents the next phase in their industry leadership, leveraging emerging satellite technologies to deliver services to consumers and in areas where connectivity was previously unavailable.

Abel Avellan, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of AST SpaceMobile, expressed excitement about the collaboration with AT&T, highlighting how it has paved the way for space-based cellular broadband to be delivered directly to everyday smartphones. Avellan emphasized the significance of the landmark agreement in solidifying their collaboration and providing seamless, reliable service to consumers and businesses across the continental US, ultimately transforming how people connect and access information.

This marks another significant milestone in AT&T's journey towards offering broader connectivity on America's largest wireless network. With the reach of a satellite solution providing two-way connectivity, many areas with dead zones outside will soon be a thing of the past, and consumers will experience increased peace of mind, knowing they have connectivity even in remote areas such as wilderness areas, national parklands, rural highways, and other challenging-to-reach locations across the country.

AT&T's Satellite Plans

AT&T has entered a long-term lease agreement with AST, enabling the satellite entity to utilize spectrum assets for the private use of AT&T services that would seamlessly integrate into its existing offerings.

According to the filing shared by AT&T with SDxCentral, AST plans to offer broadband access directly to AT&T customer handsets using the leased spectrum, which could be achieved without any modifications, special chipsets, or additional terrestrial wireless infrastructure. This approach is anticipated to enable AT&T to provide space-based broadband coverage in its licensed areas, including temporary coverage following natural disasters.

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