AT&TIn partnership with AST SpaceMobile, Has announced the successful completion of the first satellite voice call via a communication system of the same name using a conventional smartphone mass-produced without special “space” components. The companies shared details of the event and talked about their plans for developing new technologies.
The first satellite call was made using a common smartphone without any type of "space" equipment
The satellite call took place between an AT&T subscriber in Texas and a Ratuken customer in Japan using a standard version of a Samsung Galaxy S22 smartphone. At the same time, the main base station functions were taken over by AST SpaceMobile's BlueWalker 3 satellite. In the future, the partners intend to provide “global cellular communication in the range of 2G to 5G using satellites. Abel Avellan, CEO and President of AST SpaceMobile said:
By achieving what many once thought impossible, we have achieved the most important milestone to date in our quest to deliver global cellular broadband from space.
It is not yet known when the operator will roll out a satellite network for its consumers and whether it will charge extra for communication using the new technology. According to analysts, the development of such communications may be stimulated by competitiona: two other American operators have already talked about plans to create a satellite network.
T-Mobile, together with SpaceX, intends to provide its subscribers with access to mobile satellite communications in test mode as early as next year. Verizon is also moving in that direction, announcing a partnership with Amazon to offer similar services to consumers using i Project Kuiper satellites.
What are satellite calls?
Satellite calls are telephone calls that are made using a artificial satellite as a bridge between two communication devices. This type of calling is used in remote areas where traditional telecommunications network coverage is unavailable or limited. Satellite calls are usually more expensive than standard calls, but yesThey are often the only option available in some situations.
They are especially useful in areas remote such as mountains, deserts, oceans and polar regions, where terrestrial telecommunications network coverage is limited or even absent. They are also often used in emergency situations, such as natural disasters or war zone relief events.
