AT&T, AST SpaceMobile Test Satellite Handoff

A handoff test moved a connection from AT&T's cellular network to AST SpaceMobile's satellite network, as the companies target direct-to-phone coverage.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Telecommunications

AT&T, AST SpaceMobile Test Satellite Handoff

AT&T and AST SpaceMobile completed a handoff test that transferred a connection from AT&T's terrestrial cellular network to AST's satellite network, which the companies said is the first such transfer to their knowledge. AST shares fell 9.2% to $37.20 on Nov. 2.

Why it matters

The test is a step toward satellite service that works directly with ordinary cellphones, which could extend coverage to areas without cell towers. The companies did not specify the type of traffic carried or any interruption during the handoff.

The handoff was completed at 11:15 a.m. ET on Oct. 21 outside Granite Falls, Washington, and Ericsson's technology is designed to shorten transitions from seconds to milliseconds. The companies have not released a measured handoff latency for this test.

The players

AT&T

AT&T is one of the largest U.S. wireless carriers, operating a nationwide terrestrial cellular network.

AST SpaceMobile

AST SpaceMobile is a company developing a space-based cellular broadband network designed to connect directly to ordinary smartphones.

Ericsson

Ericsson is a Swedish telecommunications equipment maker that supplied radio, core and network automation technology for this test.

Nokia

Nokia is a Finnish telecommunications equipment company that provided radio-access technology and mobility software for AST's network.

The details

AT&T supplied the terrestrial wireless network and AST supplied the satellite side, with Ericsson providing radio, core technology and network automation for AT&T and Nokia providing radio-access technology and mobility software for AST's space-based network. The companies described the test as the first successful transfer between a terrestrial cellular network and a direct-to-device satellite network, to their knowledge.

2024: AT&T and AST announced their commercial agreement for direct-to-phone broadband, which runs through 2030.
Oct. 20: AST said it is targeting initial, intermittent coverage before the end of 2026 in the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia.
Oct. 21, 11:15 a.m. ET: The handoff test was completed outside Granite Falls, Washington.
Nov. 2, 2:28 p.m. ET: AST shares traded at $37.20, down 9.2%.

The Tech Race

The test extends the AT&T–AST commercial agreement announced in 2024 from plans into live handoff testing between terrestrial and satellite networks. It positions AST against rivals pursuing satellite-to-phone service, though the companies have not disclosed beta timelines beyond the targeted 2026 launch.

If the service reaches commercial use, phones on AT&T could connect to satellites where cell towers are unavailable, but early coverage is expected to be intermittent. Customers should not expect continuous satellite service at launch.

The takeaway

Satellite-to-phone service is moving from agreements into live handoff tests, but the 2026 target is for intermittent coverage rather than full service. Readers should watch for beta results that report data speeds and interruption times.

What happens next

AST is expected to move to beta services under real-world conditions, with initial intermittent coverage targeted before the end of 2026 in five countries.