AST SpaceMobile has ramped up demonstrations of voice calls, texts, and video calls through satellite tv for pc during the last 12 months, utilizing 4G LTE and 5G connections with obtain bandwidth reaching 14Mbps. Now the corporate says {that a} earlier memorandum of understanding with AT&T to work on a space-based broadband network for telephones has become a “definitive commercial agreement,” simply in time for AST’s first 5 industrial satellites to launch this summer time.
The FCC has gotten things rolling on a framework (PDF) for corporations considering constructing all these providers, with the thought of what Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel referred to as a single community future. “We gained’t want to consider what community, the place, and what providers can be found. Connections will simply work in all places, on a regular basis,” mentioned Rosenworcel final 12 months.
In response to a press release, the 5 satellites AST SpaceMobile will launch from Cape Canaveral “will assist allow industrial service that was beforehand demonstrated,” however there’s no point out of adjustments to take care of the problems of light pollution.