Rendering of five BlueBird satellites from AST SpaceMobile unfolded in space. Photo: AST SpaceMobile

Verizon and AT&T have both successfully conducted separate live video calls with AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird 2 satellite on Feb. 24. 

The calls were completed between mobile devices, with one connected via satellite and the other connected via the provider’s respective terrestrial network with AST SpaceMobile. 

This was Verizon’s first video call with the BlueBird 2 satellite. 

AT&T’s first video call with AST SpaceMobile was in June 2023, using the Blue Walker 3 satellite. AST SpaceMobile initiated the video call from Midland, Texas to AT&T in Dallas.

AT&T, in coordination with the FirstNet Authority, already tested push-to-talk services and always-on priority and preemption capabilities in a lab setting. The company said it looks forward to being a provider that enables these features via satellite.

Jeff McElfresh, AT&T’s chief operating officer, commented: “We know our customers want connectivity wherever they are, and they deserve a simple, seamless experience from one provider. We are striving to provide everyone, from urban centers to remote areas, with access to reliable connectivity.”

Verizon has been incorporating satellite links into its network and said the trial marks a crucial step in Verizon and AST SpaceMobile’s collaborative effort to build a satellite-to-device network, offering text, voice, and live video calling capabilities.

The demonstration comes after recent FCC approval, allowing AST SpaceMobile to test its satellite-to-cell service in the United States using AT&T and Verizon wireless spectrum. The authorization enabled AST SpaceMobile’s first five commercial BlueBird satellites, currently in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO), to test connections with smartphones, supporting voice, full data, video applications, and other cellular capabilities.

“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,” said Hans Vestberg, chairman and CEO of Verizon. “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 a remote part of a lake community, will only enhance the reliability of our customers’ connectivity and communication experience.”

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include AT&T’s tests.