The first space-based voice call was placed by AT&T and AST SpaceMobile

The satellite connectivity feature was introduced with the iPhone 14 series. Since then, the industry has experienced rapid growth in the respective sector. Many companies have created new technologies in response to the likelihood that people living or stranded in remote areas would be able to connect to broadband cellular networks.

A significant milestone was achieved by AST SpaceMobile. AST and AT&T collaborated on this joint venture. They were able to place the first-ever space-based voice call. The call was placed using AT&T’s network in Midland, Texas. It was placed on an unchanged Samsung Galaxy S22 utilizing the BlueWalker 3 (BW3) satellite.

As per the estimates, around 50% of the world’s population does not have access to the latest communication standards. Most of them reside in third-world countries. Such a technology has the capacity to alter cellular coverage not only in the United States but in developing countries as well, claims AST. With the help of satellite connectivity companies will be able to provide internet services to these regions at lower costs in contrast to the traditional networks.

We have completed the most important milestone to date in our effort to bring global cellular broadband from space, accomplishing what many once thought was impossible. Abel Avellan, CEO and chairman of AST SpaceMobile, states “While we take a moment to celebrate this tremendous achievement, we remain focused on the path ahead and crucial next steps that get us closer to our goal of transforming the way the world connects.”

Satellite Internet’s Future

Well, this is a huge achievement on AST SpaceMobile and AT&T’s end. It brings us one step nearer to widespread satellite-based cellular coverage. However, they are not alone in this competition. Project Kuiper is a joint venture between Verizon and Amazon. It targets the delivery of broadband satellite internet to underserved areas. Likewise, T-Mobile has also partnered with SpaceX to test satellite mobile coverage this year. It claims that current plans will also include satellite access.