T · News · 20261104N

Direct-to-Device Satellite Venture

AT&T INC. · 2026-11-04 · Importance 48 · Surprise 42

AT&T collaborated with AST SpaceMobile on a successful demonstration handing off connectivity between a terrestrial cellular network and a satellite-based mobile network. The test showed smartphones could switch between cellular towers and satellite coverage without interrupting service. Ericsson and Nokia supplied network integration, radio, and mobility technologies; the report did not disclose financial terms or a commercial launch timeframe.

Key facts

• AT&T collaborated with AST SpaceMobile on a successful demonstration of a handoff between a terrestrial cellular network and a satellite-based mobile network. source
• AT&T opposed higher-power Starlink direct-to-cell operations. source
• AT&T’s terrestrial network was involved in the satellite handoff demonstration, with Ericsson and Nokia providing network integration, radio, and mobility technologies. source