US telcos AT&T and Verizon have followed Vodafone in Europe by testing video calls using AST SpaceMobile’s orbiting satellites.
Verizon and AST successfully trialed a live video call between two mobile devices with one connected via satellite and the other connected via Verizon’s terrestrial network connection, whilst AT&T and AST also successfully completed another video call by satellite to an everyday smartphone over AT&T spectrum.
What’s key to the tests is that the calls were made to unmodified everyday smartphones.
“This breakthrough marks a new era in cellular to satellite connectivity in the United States that enables seamless data transmissions – not just texts – in the rare instance a terrestrial cellular network is not available,” said Hans Vestberg, Chairman and CEO of Verizon. “Adding this layer of ability – not only to text someone, but to be able to call, video chat, or send files – whether in the wilderness, or in a remote part of a lake community, will only enhance the reliability of our customers’ connectivity and communication experience.”
“Our team has worked tirelessly to develop a satellite to device data connection for consumers to power their lives. We are relentlessly focused on providing the most reliable network experience for our customers where they live, work and play, and providing this added layer of reliability is another reason our customers trust us to keep them connected wherever life takes them,” added Joe Russo, EVP & President, Global Network and Technology, Verizon.
“We know our customers want connectivity wherever they are, and they deserve a simple, seamless experience from one provider,” said Jeff McElfresh, chief operating officer, AT&T. “We are striving to provide everyone, from urban centers to remote areas, with access to reliable connectivity. This is about more than technology. It’s about empowering people and communities everywhere.”
The news coincided with a fresh update on AST’s prospects from investment bank ScotiaBank. Scotia has reiterated its ‘sector outperform’ rating and issued an $40.20 price target for AST’s stock price. AST’s share price on February 24 was $28.57 per share.
ScotiaBank explained that the recent confirmation by the FCC of AST’s ‘Special Temporary Authority’ was more good news for AST. The bank expected AST to shortly provide more information on the performance of its current fleet of 5 BlueBird Block 1 satellites. AST is to update the market on March 4.
The bank adds that the next 17 satellites, each larger than the Block 1 versions, “are now fully completed! And that AST is building additional satellites at a rate of 4-to-6 per month. The bank also hints that the debut rocket launch – on an Indian rocket – could carry two satellites.”
