AT&T (T) has entered a multi-year strategic alliance with AST SpaceMobile to integrate the carrier’s network with AST’s LEO satellite constellation, targeting rural and remote regions that currently lack reliable terrestrial coverage. Under the agreement, AT&T will deploy an initial set of 20 ground gateway stations across five western states by Q4 2026, providing backhaul connectivity to AST’s in-orbit satellites. The collaboration will enable a public beta service for both consumer subscribers and FirstNet public safety users beginning in mid-2026. By leveraging AST’s existing fleet of three functional BlueBird satellites and AT&T’s nationwide core network, the partnership aims to extend broadband access to an estimated 2.5 million unserved households, with commercial rollout slated for early 2027 pending beta performance results.