AT&T and Verizon have made significant strides in developing cellphone-to-satellite video calls, with both companies announcing successful tests in partnership with satellite company AST SpaceMobile. This achievement marks a notable milestone in the development of satellite cellular service, a technology that enables mobile devices to connect directly with satellites.

Verizon has completed its first cellphone-to-satellite video call, while AT&T has successfully conducted its first video call using satellites that will be part of a commercial network. The tests were made possible by AST SpaceMobile's constellation of five BlueBird satellites, which were launched in September 2023. AT&T's initial video call test took place in June 2023, demonstrating the company's progress in this area.

The successful tests by AT&T and Verizon come as a response to T-Mobile's arrangement with SpaceX and Starlink, which launched a public beta for messaging via satellite earlier this month. Both AT&T and Verizon have expressed concerns that T-Mobile and SpaceX's offerings could harm their networks. The achievement by AT&T and Verizon is seen as a competitive move to establish themselves in the satellite cellular service market.

The cellphone-to-satellite video calls were made possible by the partnership between the mobile carriers and AST SpaceMobile. Verizon's test involved a live video call between two mobile devices, with one connected via satellite and the other connected via Verizon's terrestrial network connection. AT&T's test, on the other hand, involved a video call by satellite to an everyday smartphone over AT&T spectrum.

The development of satellite cellular service has significant implications for the mobile industry. It enables mobile devices to connect directly with satellites, providing coverage in areas where traditional cellular networks are limited or non-existent. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the way people communicate, especially in remote or underserved areas.

The competition between mobile carriers to develop satellite cellular service is expected to intensify in the coming months. With AT&T and Verizon making significant progress, the pressure is on T-Mobile and SpaceX to respond with their own developments. As the technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the mobile industry adapts to the changing landscape.

In conclusion, the successful cellphone-to-satellite video calls by AT&T and Verizon mark a significant milestone in the development of satellite cellular service. As the technology continues to advance, it has the potential to transform the mobile industry and provide new opportunities for communication and connectivity.