AST SpaceMobile has made history by successfully connecting a direct voice call between the United States and Japan via its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, using standard smartphones. The use of standard smartphones makes this a world first, as no one has previously achieved a direct voice connection from space to unmodified cellular devices.
AST SpaceMobile partnered with some of its mobile operator partners, including AT&T, Rakuten, and Vodafone, to make the connection. The test call was made using AT&T spectrum and a Samsung Galaxy S22 smartphone in the Midland, Texas area, connecting to Rakuten in Japan.
The successful test call validated AST SpaceMobile’s network architecture and systems, including its BW3 satellite, which it describes as the largest commercial communications array in low-earth orbit. The call also paves the way for space-based cellular broadband. AST SpaceMobile’s goal is to provide coverage to close to 50% of the world’s population that currently has no mobile broadband coverage.
AST SpaceMobile CEO Abel Avellan commented that the successful call was a significant milestone and achievement, proving that global cellular broadband from space is possible. He said, “Achieving what many once considered impossible, we have reached the most significant milestone to date in our quest to deliver global cellular broadband from space. While we take a moment to celebrate this tremendous accomplishment, we remain focused on the path ahead and pivotal next steps that get us closer to our goal of transforming the way the world connects.”
The companies involved in the partnership congratulated AST SpaceMobile on the successful test call. They emphasized the significance of this achievement for the telecommunications industry.
AST SpaceMobile is yet to announce when the commercial service will be available. The company’s forward-looking statements warn of the risk of delays in commercialization and the cost and likelihood of raising more capital. Nonetheless, the successful test calls and initial compatibility tests on a range of smartphones and devices are significant steps in the right direction for AST SpaceMobile.
