NOKIA

Brand will soon provide broadband connectivity to common smartphones

AST SpaceMobile, which is building the first and so far the only satellite network to provide broadband connectivity to mainstream smartphones, has inked a five-year deal with Nokia. Companies will join forces to provide connectivity to users in remote regions around the world. The first BlueWalker 3 test satellite is planned to be launched before the end of this year in cooperation with several mobile operators.

According to the AST SpaceMobile representative, the Nokia AirScale system integration will take an important step towards eliminating communication “dead zones” worldwide for more than 5 billion subscribers and providing broadband Internet access to those who they don't have it yet. In particular, this means that many smartphone users will be able to get a fast connection without purchasing additional equipment. The company has already entered into cooperation agreements with mobile operators, which together have more than 1.8 billion subscribers.

The Nokia AirScale Single RAN equipment will enable AST SpaceMobile to provide mobile services to new and existing users in regions not served by terrestrial networks. We are talking about users on land, at sea and in flight. Nokia will provide equipment supplies, including AirScale base stations based on the latest ReefShark chipsets, as well as other technology solutions and technical support.

In today's era, communications must be seen as one of the vital elements of daily activities – like water, electricity or gas, everyone must have access to broadband services, said a Nokia spokesperson. The company said it has been cooperating with AST SpaceMobile on this initiative for two years.

AST SpaceMobile plans to launch the BlueWalker 3 low-orbit satellite into orbit in early to mid-September, the equipment is designed to communicate directly with devices operating on 3GPP-approved frequencies. In the future, the company plans to put about 100 satellites into operation to provide broad global coverage. According to AST SpaceMobile, Nokia will not only integrate its AirScale system, but will also support the project with dozens of engineers and other industry professionals.

Image source: Nokia