AST SpaceMobile's Satellite-Powered 5G
In a massive leap for global connectivity, AST SpaceMobile Inc. has successfully completed a 5G call that spanned the vast distance between Hawaii and Spain.
The most astonishing part? It was made using a standard smartphone and AST SpaceMobile's satellite technology, with "no app, no special SIM cards, nothing special."
5G Reaches New Heights
The race to bring 5G connectivity to every corner of the globe has been heating up, with companies like AST SpaceMobile, T-Mobile, and Lynk Global leading the charge.
These firms are working diligently to offer 5G services that utilize everyday consumer mobile phones rather than specialized equipment.
Bloomberg tells us that AST SpaceMobile's recent success involved placing a call from a wireless dead zone near Hana, Hawaii, to a Vodafone engineer in Madrid, Spain, using AT&T frequencies and their BlueWalker 3 test satellite.
This milestone was not limited to voice calls; the satellite achieved an impressive download rate of approximately 14 megabits per second during testing.
According to SpaceMobile Chairman Abel Avellan, "With this, we have demonstrated the ability to put 5G in every corner of the planet."
The Power of Space-Based 5G
To comprehend the significance of this achievement, it is essential to understand the potential of 5G technology.
5G, the fifth generation of mobile telephony, is characterized by its blazing-fast speeds and low latency. It offers a level of connectivity that surpasses most traditional broadband standards.
The limits of terrestrial infrastructure do not constrain AST SpaceMobile's technology. While they operate on a small set of test frequencies, the company believes they can achieve even greater speeds with a broader range of airwaves.
This is a promising sign for consumers hungry for faster, more reliable internet access.
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Collaboration Fuels Success
This remarkable achievement was made possible through extensive collaboration.
AST SpaceMobile worked closely with partners Vodafone, AT&T, and Nokia to accomplish this feat.
Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group Chief Executive, highlighted the importance of this collaboration: "We're excited to be at the forefront of space technology through our partnership with AST SpaceMobile."
A Timeline of Achievement
This remarkable feat comes from several other significant milestones for AST SpaceMobile.
In April, the company announced the completion of the first-ever space-based voice calls using unmodified smartphones.
In June, they achieved initial download speeds exceeding 10 Mbps. Their testing program has expanded, encompassing additional voice calls, 4G video calls, and now 5G cellular broadband connections.
Connecting the Unconnected
One of the most exciting aspects of AST SpaceMobile's technology is its potential to bridge the digital divide.
By providing 5G connectivity from space, even to remote and underserved areas, they are helping to connect the unconnected.
This has the potential to transform internet connectivity on a global scale, improving the lives of millions.
AST SpaceMobile has agreements and understandings with over 40 mobile network operators worldwide, totaling approximately 2.4 billion subscribers.
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