AT&T and AST SpaceMobile Demonstrate a Cellular-to-Satellite Handoff

AT&T and AST SpaceMobile announced on November 2, 2026 what they describe as the industry's first successful handoff between a ground-based cellular network and a direct-to-device satellite network. AT&T says the milestone occurred outside Granite Falls, Washington, on October 21 at 8:15 a.m. Pacific.

What the partners demonstrated

The announcement concerns moving a connection between terrestrial and satellite networks, building on earlier voice, text and video demonstrations with everyday smartphones. AT&T supplies the terrestrial network and AST the space-based network. Ericsson provides supporting radio, core and automation technology, while Nokia supplies radio-access and mobility software for AST's network.

The useful distinction is continuity while the connection changes networks. A successful demonstration is evidence of progress on that integration; it is not evidence that every customer can already use seamless satellite fallback.

A step toward service, not a retail launch

AT&T describes the work as progress toward real-world beta and eventual commercial service. This announcement supplies no retail launch date, consumer price or address-level availability map. It should not be turned into a phone-model compatibility list or a promise of coverage everywhere.

If you are choosing service today, separate the demonstrated capability from the plan currently offered for your phone and account. Ask which features are active now, which devices and subscriptions qualify, and what limitations apply. Do not cancel a working connection in expectation of an unannounced rollout.

Questions to ask when a retail offer appears

• Does the provider confirm your exact device and software version?
• Which functions are available: messaging, voice, data or something more limited?
• What outdoor, sky-view, signal, location and plan conditions apply?
• How is usage billed, and what happens when terrestrial coverage returns?
• Is the feature generally available, in beta or restricted to selected users?

These are questions to check against a future offer, not specifications established by this demonstration. A familiar smartphone brand or a successful test in one location does not answer them for every customer.

Keep related projects separate

Our AST SpaceMobile plans guide and AT&T satellite overview provide background. Other companies' satellite or terrestrial announcements need their own eligibility checks; do not infer interoperability or matching launch terms from similar language.

Use the AT&T provider guide and rural internet options guide when comparing services available now. ZIP screening helps organize a search, while actual service still requires the provider's location, equipment and plan checks.

For help comparing internet at your address, call RSINC at 1-877-697-2926 or compare local providers.

Reviewed November 6, 2026. Availability, prices and terms can change.