AT&T and its partner AST SpaceMobile have successfully completed a video call using an unmodified smartphone connected via satellite, showcasing the potential of space-based cellular networks to bridge connectivity gaps in remote and underserved areas.
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The call, conducted on AT&T’s spectrum, used AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites launched in September 2024. Originating from Midland, Texas, the video call was made using a standard WhatsApp application on an everyday smartphone, demonstrating how seamlessly integrated the satellite technology was with existing mobile devices.
“It’s transparent to the phone,” John Wojewoda, AVP at AT&T Mobility, tells ZDNET. “It just looks like another wireless network.”
A decade in the making
This moment resulted from nearly a decade of AT&T and AST SpaceMobile collaboration. The two companies have been working together to develop technology that enables unmodified smartphones to connect directly to satellites, eliminating the need for specialized hardware or software.
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“We’ve been along for the ride the whole way as we make first milestones,” Wojewoda noted. This latest achievement builds on earlier successes, including the first two-way voice call over satellite in April 2023 and the first 5G call in September 2023.
The recent video call marks a significant step toward commercial service. According to Wojewoda, the ultimate goal is to offer satellite-enabled messaging, voice, and data services to customers using their existing devices.
Fixing a real-world problem
The technology is designed to augment AT&T’s terrestrial network by providing coverage in areas where traditional infrastructure is not feasible. These include rural regions, national parks, and disaster-stricken zones where terrestrial networks may be compromised.
Consumer smartphones like the iPhone have began to roll out satellite-connected features over the past few years.
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
“We pride ourselves on having the best network of anyone in the U.S.,” Wojewoda said. “We still have white spaces and holes that we can’t cover.” This solution is meant to fill in those coverage gaps.
One key use case for this technology is emergency communication. Hikers in remote locations or first responders operating in disaster zones could rely on satellite connectivity when traditional networks are overwhelmed or unavailable. “This provides safety and security,” Wojewoda emphasized, adding that people want to know they can contact help if something happens.
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It’s worth noting that satellite-enabled devices like the Garmin eTrex Solar that ZDNET’s Matthew Miller tested exist and are frequently used when venturing into blackout areas. Users can also dial into satellite networks for expanded communication capabilities with certain phone models.
What comes next
The successful test was made possible by a Special Temporary Authority (STA) granted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) earlier this year. This authorization allowed AST SpaceMobile to test its BlueBird satellites with unmodified smartphones on AT&T’s spectrum.
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AST SpaceMobile plans to eventually expand its capabilities with next-generation Block 2 BlueBird satellites, which will feature higher bandwidth capacity and peak data transmission speeds of up to 120 Mbps.
While commercial service is not yet available, AT&T and AST SpaceMobile are accelerating their testing efforts to refine the technology and secure long-term regulatory approvals. The companies envision a future where satellite connectivity becomes integral to everyday mobile communication.
With its potential to transform how people stay connected in challenging environments, this milestone represents a significant leap forward in telecommunications.
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