Direct-To-Device Satellite Networks
Low-Earth-orbit satellites interworking with terrestrial mobile core networks let unmodified standard smartphones connect via space, extending cellular coverage beyond terrestrial tower reach.
Developed mainly in: Canada and United StatesImpacting: North America, Europe and Rest of Asia
AT&T says it executed the first live handoff of a call from its terrestrial cellular network to AST SpaceMobile satellites, ahead of a beta direct-to-device service. Rakuten Mobile, AST's Japanese partner, says commercial D2D service is close. AST still lacks the satellite count for continuous coverage.
This is one of 32 signals scored today.
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First flagged
6 October 2026 · score 5.0/10
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5
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Tracked from 2 signals, each traced to its source.
- AT&T completes first cellular-to-satellite call handoff with AST SpaceMobile
Lightreading · 5 Nov 2026
- TELUS and AST SpaceMobile complete first satellite-to-phone integration test on Canadian network
Prnewswire · 6 Oct 2026
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