While standard satellite phones do not work reliably indoors because they require a clear, unobstructed view of the sky, AST SpaceMobile’s upcoming cellular service is designed to work indoors and inside vehicles, connecting directly to unmodified smartphones using low-band frequencies that can penetrate buildings and foliage. The service will seamlessly integrate with existing wireless networks, providing coverage in remote areas where terrestrial infrastructure is lacking, according to AST SpaceMobile and AT&T.
Scott Wisniewski, AST SpaceMobile’s (AST) president stated during a recent Bloomberg Businessweek TV interview “We depend on connectivity so much, and it’s very important that the phone just works, whether it’s for convenience, peace of mind, or emergencies. There’s only one way to get broadband capabilities from space and that’s with a big satellite. And we have the biggest,” he added.”
With standard satellite phones it’s imperative to connect to orbiting satellites creating a challenge with walls and buildings that block the transmission. However, you can use them indoors by moving near a window or installing a dedicated external antenna system, such as a docking station or a building antenna setup that relays the signal from outside.
“With the largest commercial satellites in low Earth orbit, over 50 mobile operator partnerships worldwide, and a comprehensive spectrum strategy that combines our own spectrum and partner spectrum, we are rapidly building a future where everyone, everywhere, has access to strong, reliable broadband connectivity from space,” Wisniewski stated.
