T · News · 20261103N

Direct-to-Device Satellite Venture

AT&T INC. · 2026-11-03 · Importance 31 · Surprise 42

AT&T and AST SpaceMobile completed a live test transferring an active voice call from a ground cellular network to AST SpaceMobile’s direct-to-device satellite connection and back. The test demonstrated a ground-to-satellite-to-ground handoff using everyday smartphones. The companies described the milestone as a step toward continuous mobile coverage across wider geographies.

Key facts

• AT&T and AST SpaceMobile reported the first successful handoff between ground cellular and direct-to-device satellite service. source
• In the AT&T-AST SpaceMobile live test, an active voice call transferred from a land network to AST SpaceMobile's satellite connection and back again. source
• AT&T and AST SpaceMobile described the trial as a step toward continuous mobile coverage for standard smartphones across wider geographies. source