JAKARTA - AT&T announced plans to launch a limited beta program for satellite-based mobile services in the first half of 2026. A number of selected customers, including FirstNet users, will have early access before the service is commercially released. This move is a strategic bet for AT&T to face stiff competition, especially from T-Mobile and Verizon.
The announcement comes amid increased competitive pressure. In the third quarter of 2025, AT&T's postpaid customer churn rate rose 14 basis points year-on-year to 0.92%, indicating that more customers were discontinuing service. AT&T CEO John Stankey previously admitted that his competitors were moving aggressively to win customers, especially through pricing packages and network innovations.
To turn things around, AT&T partnered with AST SpaceMobile in the development of a satellite cellular service that allows connectivity in areas not covered by conventional cell towers. After the beta phase is running, the company is targeting a full commercial launch in the same year.
This plan was strengthened with the launch of AST SpaceMobile's latest generation BlueBird 6 satellite in December. AT&T called the moment an important step towards the realization of satellite broadband connectivity. Currently, AST SpaceMobile has six satellites in orbit and plans to add four more units before March.
AT&T claims its satellite service will offer wider coverage, more stable performance, and more efficient power consumption. This is supported by the largest active commercial antenna technology in low Earth orbit used by AST SpaceMobile.
The trial of this service has been carried out with a number of public safety agencies, including the US Customs and Border Protection, the Texas Department of Public Safety, as well as the Boulder County Sheriff's Office in Colorado. In the test, users can access voice, data, and FirstNet Fusion services - an upcoming service that connects emergency responders across radio networks and mobile operators via satellite.
AT&T's move extends competition in the satellite mobile space. T-Mobile was the first to launch its T-Satellite service in July 2025, in collaboration with Starlink. The direct-to-phone messaging service is supported by more than 650 satellites and covers an area of more than 500,000 square miles in the United States. Verizon is not to be outdone, having introduced a free satellite messaging service since March, although it is limited to certain Android devices.
The popularity of satellite services is increasing as consumer interest in emergency connectivity features on smartphones. In an era when signals can be a determinant of safety, operators' battles are no longer just about speed, but also who remains connected when all signal bars disappear.
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