Telecom giants Verizon and AT&T have recently achieved a major milestone by successfully conducting direct video calls between mobile phones and satellites in collaboration with AST SpaceMobile.
These tests utilized AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird 2 satellites, launched last September. On February 24, Verizon performed a live video call between a satellite-connected mobile device and another device on Verizon’s terrestrial network. Similarly, AT&T also conducted a successful satellite video call using its own spectrum, demonstrating the ability to connect standard smartphones via low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
These technological advancements pave the way for improved global connectivity, particularly in remote areas where terrestrial infrastructure is limited. They also put Verizon and AT&T in direct competition with other similar initiatives, such as T-Mobile and SpaceX’s partnership for Starlink services, which recently launched a public beta for satellite messaging.
However, these innovations are not limited to North America. In Africa, Afrikanet, through its Afrikaweb/Afrikastar solutions, leverages the same satellite technology to provide extended Internet coverage across the continent. With a stable and seamless connection even in the most isolated areas, Afrikanet enables businesses, individuals, and institutions to access reliable Internet, contributing to Africa’s digital development. This progress positions Afrikanet as a key player in satellite Internet in Africa, offering an effective solution to the continent’s connectivity challenges.
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Sources :
• Verizon News
• AT&T News
• The Verge
