AST SpaceMobile has announced that it accomplished a groundbreaking feat by achieving a 5G connection between an unmodified smartphone and its BlueWalker 3 satellite. The company’s engineers successfully made a call using AT&T spectrum from a wireless dead zone in Maui, Hawaii, to a Vodafone engineer in Madrid, Spain. The test was conducted in collaboration with Vodafone, AT&T, and Nokia.

The company has demonstrated the compatibility of its system with phones from major manufacturers and support for 2G, 4G LTE, and now 5G. This achievement marks an extraordinary milestone in the history of telecommunications. The successful test shows promise for space-based connectivity on a global scale, benefitting consumers, businesses, and first responders.

AST SpaceMobile recently secured funding for its first five commercial satellites through loans and a credit facility. With this funding, the company is moving closer to its goal of providing reliable and high-speed mobile connectivity from space.

In addition to the successful 5G call, AST SpaceMobile also set a new record for broadband data session with a download rate of approximately 14 Mbps. These achievements highlight the company’s technological capabilities and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of satellite communication.

The video shared by AST SpaceMobile shows an engineer in a remote area making a clear call to a Vodafone representative in Spain. The seamless communication over 5G demonstrates the potential of AST SpaceMobile’s satellite technology to deliver reliable and high-quality voice and data services, even in remote locations.

AST SpaceMobile’s continued advancements in satellite technology and its collaborative efforts with industry partners pave the way for a future where global connectivity is easily accessible and reliable.