AT&T Backs AST SpaceMobile’s June 17 Satellite Launch and Derq AI Traffic Rollout
T•AT&T’s strategic partner AST SpaceMobile plans a June 17 launch of BlueBird 8–10 satellites aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 to deliver space-based cellular broadband directly to standard smartphones following BlueBird-7’s April orbit insertion failure. AT&T extends its 2024 investment in Derq into a commercial collaboration to deploy AI-powered traffic safety and intelligence.
1. AST SpaceMobile Launch Plans
AST SpaceMobile plans to launch its BlueBird 8, 9, and 10 satellites on June 17 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. These next-generation phase-array satellites aim to support voice, data and video services to standard smartphones without special hardware after the April BlueBird-7 orbit insertion failure.
2. Impact on AT&T Network Expansion
AT&T, as a strategic partner with AST SpaceMobile, could integrate the upcoming satellites into its service portfolio to expand coverage in remote and underserved markets. The new space-based broadband network may open new revenue streams and diversify AT&T’s traditional terrestrial infrastructure offerings.
3. Derq Collaboration Extends AI Traffic Safety
AT&T is extending its late-2024 investment in Derq into a commercial collaboration to deploy AI-powered traffic safety and intelligence solutions at intersections. The agreement will accelerate deployment of real-time safety analytics across connected transportation ecosystems, reinforcing AT&T’s presence in smart city and IoT services.
