
Ast Spacemobile satellites are now in beta testing, a significant milestone in their development. Beta testing involves a thorough evaluation of the satellites' performance, functionality, and reliability.
Forty-five plus telecom partners are collaborating with Ast Spacemobile for this beta testing phase. This partnership will help ensure seamless integration with existing networks and infrastructure.
The beta testing phase is a critical step in preparing the Ast Spacemobile satellites for commercial launch and deployment.
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Ast Spacemobile Beta Testing
AST SpaceMobile is gearing up for beta testing with its BlueBird satellites. The company has launched five BlueBird satellites and is seeking experimental authority from the FCC to test their cellular capabilities with up to 2,000 phones on the AT&T and Verizon networks.
AST SpaceMobile wants to beam cellular connectivity to unmodified, off-the-shelf mobile phones in areas with dead zones. This is part of their goal to provide voice and data services to first responders in disaster situations.
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The beta tests will help AST SpaceMobile demonstrate that their Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS) services can complement existing networks without causing interference. They aim to provide real-world data on the effectiveness of their technology.
The company plans to use the experimental authority to test satellite connectivity for emergency responders, which will help them provide immediate assistance in disaster situations. AST SpaceMobile hopes to eventually supply cellular broadband to phones across the globe.
In 2025 and 2026, the company plans to launch up to 60 next-generation BlueBird satellites with even larger communications arrays. This will enable them to offer full continuous service for potentially hundreds of millions of cellphone customers.
AST SpaceMobile has already received approval from the FCC to test direct-to-cellular satellite connectivity with AT&T, and they're working on a beta test with first responders on the FirstNet network. This will help them provide satellite-based communications to public safety agencies in hard-to-reach areas.
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FCC Approves AT&T's Direct-to-Cell Testing
The FCC has given the green light to AT&T's direct-to-cell testing with AST SpaceMobile. This allows them to test satellite connectivity over Band 14 spectrum, used exclusively for public safety.
The tests will use AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird satellites, enabling select first responders on the FirstNet network to trial satellite-based communications later this year. This is a big deal for public safety, as it will help bolster FirstNet's multi-layered coverage in hard-to-reach areas.
FirstNet is the only nationwide broadband network dedicated to public safety, serving more first responders than any other network in the US. The satellite-to-cell technology will further extend FirstNet's reach into rural, remote, and off-grid areas.
Public safety agencies have long called for reliable satellite solutions, leading FirstNet to develop a fleet of over 180 satellite-based deployable assets. Agencies have also purchased more than 500 mobile cell sites, enhancing their ability to control their communications infrastructure.
The tests will also use satellite connectivity to serve emergency responders, which is a huge priority for AST SpaceMobile. They want to provide real-world data demonstrating that satellite services will complement AT&T's existing network while avoiding interference.
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Industry Involvement
AST SpaceMobile has partnered with over 40 mobile network operators (MNOs) to bring satellite connectivity to the masses. This impressive roster includes major players like AT&T, Verizon, and Vodafone.
The company has signed revenue-sharing deals and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with these MNOs, securing a combined cell phone customer base of 2.8 billion users. This is a significant step towards making satellite connectivity a reality for billions of people worldwide.
AST SpaceMobile's six-year commercial agreement with AT&T comes with a $20 million revenue commitment, while its deal with Verizon is worth $100 million. Vodafone has also committed to a $25 million revenue share, further solidifying AST SpaceMobile's position in the industry.
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Tests with AT&T and Verizon Devices
AST SpaceMobile is testing its cellular satellites with AT&T and Verizon devices, aiming to beam connectivity to up to 2,000 phones in the US. The company launched five BlueBird satellites in September and is now seeking FCC approval to test their cellular capabilities.
The satellites will generate hexagonal service link beams or cells on the ground with a 24 km radius and 48 km diameter, providing coverage in cellular dead zones. AST SpaceMobile wants to beta-test the satellites' cellular capabilities with unmodified, "off-the-shelf" mobile phones.
The goal is to provide real-world data demonstrating that SCS services will complement AT&T's existing network while avoiding harmful interference to non-partner licensees and AT&T itself. AST SpaceMobile plans to use the experimental authority to test using satellite connectivity to serve emergency responders.
In the coming months, AST SpaceMobile will aggressively look for opportunities to provide voice and data services to first responders reacting to natural and man-made disasters that damage or degrade terrestrial infrastructure. The company hopes to provide immediate help to first responders with the BlueBird satellites nearing operational status.
AST SpaceMobile expects the FCC to grant the experimental authority "imminently", allowing the company to begin testing its cellular satellites with AT&T and Verizon devices. The company plans to launch up to 60 next-generation BlueBird satellites in 2025 and 2026, enabling AST SpaceMobile to offer "full continuous service" for potentially hundreds of millions of cellphone customers.
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45+ Telecom Companies Joined

AST SpaceMobile has secured partnerships with over 45 telecom companies. This impressive network includes major players like AT&T, Verizon, and Vodafone.
The company has signed revenue-sharing deals and MOUs with over 40 mobile network operators, paving the way for a massive 168-satellite system. This ambitious project is expected to cost up to $5 billion.
The combined customer base of these telecom companies is a staggering 2.8 billion users. This is a huge market, and AST SpaceMobile is poised to tap into it with its innovative satellite-based service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is AST SpaceMobile getting FCC approval to test satellite broadband with AT&T and Verizon?
Yes, AST SpaceMobile has received FCC approval to test its satellite-to-cell service with Verizon and AT&T in the US. This special permission allows the company to move forward with testing its innovative technology.
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