USA: A two-way space-based call was made for the first time, and intriguingly, it was done using a typical smartphone. Texas-based AST SpaceMobile, which is constructing the first and only space-based cellular broadband network intended to be usable by all handsets, accomplished the extraordinary feat. The company made the call utilising both internal technology and its own BlueWalker 3 (BW3) satellite.

ST SpaceMobile made a significant achievement that will go down in history. For the first time ever, a direct voice connection from space to regular cellular devices has been made.

The achievement is significant for the telecommunications sector, but it is even more significant for AST SpaceMobile, whose objective is to connect the approximately 50% of the world's population who do not have access to cellular broadband.

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The patented system and architecture of AST SpaceMobile have been validated by the initial test calls, according to the business.

The voice call was placed using an unmodified Samsung Galaxy S22 smartphone over AT&T spectrum from Midland, Texas, to Rakuten in Japan.

The BW3 satellite, the largest commercial communications array in low Earth orbit, was used to make the call.

Abel Avellan, Chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile, said, "Achieving what many once considered impossible, we have reached the most significant milestone to date in our quest to deliver global cellular broadband from space."

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We continue to keep our attention on the crucial next steps that will bring us closer to our objective of changing how the world connects.

In its endeavour, AST SpaceMobile was not acting alone. The first voice call made using the BW3 satellite was prepared for and tested with assistance from engineers from Vodafone, Rakuten, and AT&T.

Also worthy of note is the fact that this significant accomplishment paves the way for the global deployment of space-based 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G cellular broadband networks.

Numerous smartphones and other devices were tested for compatibility by AST SpaceMobile.
"The phones successfully exchanged Subscriber Identification Module ("SIM") and network information directly to BW3—crucial for delivering broadband connectivity from space to any phone or device," claimed the company.

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The team confirms the "ability to support cellular broadband speeds and 4G LTE/5G waveforms" based on additional testing of the smartphone uplink and downlink signal strength.

The first transcontinental call, an international call, a call from the moon, and a partnership to deliver the only network designed with and for America's first responders are just a few of the many firsts that AT&T has achieved over the past 147 years, according to Chris Sambar, head of AT&T Network.