Verizon and AST SpaceMobile achieved a major milestone in mobile connectivity with the successful trial of a live video call between two devices—one linked via satellite and the other through Verizon’s terrestrial network.
This demonstration highlights Verizon’s commitment to expanding communication capabilities beyond conventional networks, leveraging satellite technology to ensure seamless connectivity even in remote or underserved areas.
Hans Vestberg, Chairman and CEO of Verizon, emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating, “This breakthrough marks a new era in cellular to satellite connectivity in the United States that enables seamless data transmissions—not just texts—in the rare instance a terrestrial cellular network is not available.”
He continued, “Adding this layer of ability—not only to text someone, but to be able to call, video chat, or send files—whether in the wilderness or in a remote part of a lake community, will enhance the reliability of our customers' connectivity and communication experience.'"
Joe Russo, EVP and President of Global Network and Technology at Verizon, reiterated the company’s dedication to enhancing customer experience through innovation. "Our team has worked tirelessly to develop a satellite to device data connection for consumers to power their lives.”
We are relentlessly focused on providing the most reliable network experience for our customers, wherever they live, work and play. This added layer of reliability is another reason our customers trust us to keep them connected wherever life takes them.
The successful video call trial was made possible by recent FCC approval granted to AST SpaceMobile, allowing the testing of satellite connections using Verizon’s spectrum in the U.S. This approval facilitates AST SpaceMobile’s initiative to deploy its first five commercial BlueBird satellites, currently in low Earth orbit, to support voice, full data, video applications, and native cellular capabilities on smartphones.
Also Read: AST SpaceMobile and Verizon Partnership Target 100% Coverage of the Continental United States
