AT&T and Verizon Connect First Cellphone-To-Satellite Video Calls

AT&T and Verizon have successfully completed their first cellphone-to-satellite video calls using AST SpaceMobile's satellites, marking a significant step toward commercial satellite networks. The Verge reports: Verizon has completed its first cellphone-to-satellite video call, while AT&T has completed its first using satellites that will be used as part of a commercial network. Verizon pulled off 'a live video call between two mobile devices with one connected via satellite and the other connected via Verizon's terrestrial network connection,' according to a company press release.

In AT&T's case, 'AT&T and AST SpaceMobile have successfully completed another video call by satellite to an everyday smartphone over AT&T spectrum,' per AT&T's press release. Both phone companies relied on AST's constellation of five BlueBird satellites that were launched last September for the tests. AT&T's initial video call test happened in June 2023.

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