4G Connectivity to Unmodified Smartphones from Space Confirmed

4G connectivity to common smartphones from space has been confirmed by testing by AST SpaceMobile. The company has demonstrated download speeds above 10 Mbps from its BlueWalker 3 satellite during testing in Hawaii.

“AST SpaceMobile’s space-based cellular capabilities are designed to be a critical extension for cellular communications."

Abel Avellan, AST SpaceMobile

Engineers conducted download speed tests earlier this month June using multiple everyday, off-the-shelf smartphones. The 4G LTE download speed testing, which used AT&T spectrum and Nokia RAN technology, reached initial speeds up to 10.3 Mbps, with further testing of voice calls to AT&T employees. Evaluation of BlueWalker 3’s 4G connectivity capabilities continues, with enablement of 5G cellular broadband as the next major test activity.

“AST SpaceMobile’s space-based cellular capabilities are designed to be a critical extension for cellular communications. In addition to supporting basic voice and text that we expect from phones, it would also enable users to browse the internet, download files, use messaging apps or stream video,” said Abel Avellan, Chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile. “Achieving this milestone from an unmodified, standard cell phone on the ground connecting through our low Earth orbit satellite is another groundbreaking moment in telecommunications history and an important step toward AST SpaceMobile’s goal of bringing broadband services to parts of the world where cellular coverage is either unreliable or simply does not exist today.”

4G Connectivity from Space Breaks Down Barriers

"Successfully reaching double-digit download speeds during satellite-to-smartphone testing takes us one step closer to ensuring people across the United States will be able to stay connected no matter their location," said Chris Sambar, Head of AT&T Network. "This milestone wouldn’t be possible without the overall focus and determination of the teams working daily to achieve our shared space-based vision of connectivity.”

"Each mobile milestone in Vodafone’s history has moved us closer to connectivity for all. Achieving these mobile speeds, via satellite direct to standard 4G smartphones, shrinks the digital divide even further," said Alberto Ripepi, Chief Network Officer at Vodafone. "Together with Vodacom and AST SpaceMobile, we look forward to bringing this capability to our customers in the hardest to reach areas of Africa and Europe.”

The announcement of successful 4G connectivity follows other recent announcements from AST SpaceMobile as the company readies its technology for commercialization. On April 25, the company announced it had completed the first-ever space-based voice calls using everyday unmodified smartphones. Paving the way for these achievements was the successful deployment of BlueWalker 3, which is the largest-ever commercial communications array deployed in low-Earth orbit and designed to communicate directly with cellular devices via 3GPP standard frequencies at 5G speeds. In its now unfolded position, the satellite spans 693 square feet in size, a design feature critical to support a space-based cellular broadband network.

(Source: AST SpaceMobile news release. Images provided and from file)