A FirstNet deployable network vehicle. Photo: FirstNet/AT&T

AT&T anticipates trials this year between AST SpaceMobile direct-to-cell connectivity and the FirstNet public safety network.

This comes after this week, the FCC granted AST SpaceMobile approval to test direct-to-cellular connectivity on public safety Band 14 spectrum via its BlueBird satellites with AT&T. The telco expects select first responders on FirstNet to trial public-safety-grade satellite communications later this year.

FirstNet is a public-private partnership between the U.S. government and AT&T that operates a wireless broadband network designed for first responders. FirstNet already uses satellite technology in deployable assets like SatCOLTs — satellite cell on light trucks, vehicles equipped with mobile cell sites that connect via satellite and are used in the wake of disasters. 

AT&T said that satellite-to-cellular connectivity “will be complimentary to and extend the reach of the FirstNet network for first responders in rural or off-grid locations,” and will help build on the network’s multi-layered coverage strategy. 

“Satellite connectivity on FirstNet is being built with public safety’s unique needs in mind,” said FirstNet exec Matt Walsh. “First responders need more than the minimum and we are excited to continue building out our comprehensive network to serve the public safety community.”

AT&T is a longtime collaborator of AST SpaceMobile and also has a commercial agreement with the company to bring satellite-to-cell connectivity to its consumer customers.