AT&T stock advances after ground-to-satellite handoff milestone

Published on 11/09/2026 at 13:10 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

AT&T stock gains a satellite-network milestone as a live handoff links terrestrial and space-based coverage. Beta testing is the next step.

Satellite network moves toward beta

AT&T and AST SpaceMobile completed a ground-to-satellite handoff using everyday smartphones.
The companies are preparing beta services before any broader commercial rollout.
Ericsson and Nokia supplied network technologies designed to preserve service continuity during the handoff.

AT&T Inc., US00206R1023, Illustration mit AI erstellt.

AT&T and AST SpaceMobile have completed what they describe as an industry-first handoff between a ground-based cellular network and a direct-to-device satellite network. The milestone was reported on Monday, November 9, 2026, by Cyprus Shipping News, citing Business Wire.

The test took place on Wednesday, October 21, outside Granite Falls, Washington. A connection moved between AT&T's terrestrial wireless network and AST SpaceMobile's satellite network while using an ordinary smartphone. The companies said the technology is intended to reduce interruptions when users move beyond terrestrial coverage.

Technology advances toward beta service

The handoff builds on earlier voice calls, text messages and video calls through AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird satellites. Ericsson supplied combined radio and core technology with network automation, while Nokia contributed radio-access and mobility software. The systems are designed to reduce transition times from seconds to milliseconds, according to the report.

Robert Walters, AT&T's senior vice president for network, said the successful handoff was a milestone rather than the final objective. The next phase is expected to involve beta services under real-world conditions, allowing the partners to refine performance before moving toward commercial service.

For AT&T, satellite connectivity is positioned as an extension of its wireless network rather than a replacement. The potential use cases include remote communities, travelers and first responders that need coverage beyond terrestrial infrastructure. Commercial availability, timing and the eventual customer economics remain tied to further testing and the deployment of AST SpaceMobile's satellite network.

AT&T stock traded at 19.46 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 13:03 CET on Monday, November 9, 2026. Investors are likely to focus next on the beta timetable, network reliability in field conditions and the partners' path toward commercial service. The real-time quote of AT&T stock provides the current trading view.

US telecom investors are also watching developments across the S&P 500 market backdrop.

For further company coverage, see More news and analyses on AT&T stock.