AT&T stock gains satellite handoff milestone as beta nears
Published on 11/09/2026 at 16:34 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSSatellite Handoff Moves Toward Beta
- AT&T and AST SpaceMobile completed a live handoff between terrestrial and satellite networks.
- The technology is designed to extend coverage to remote areas using standard smartphones.
- Beta services are expected to test performance under real-world conditions before commercial deployment.
AT&T and AST SpaceMobile have completed what they describe as the industry's first successful handoff between a ground-based cellular network and a direct-to-device satellite network. Cyprus Shipping News reported the milestone on Monday, citing Business Wire.
The handoff took place on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, outside Granite Falls, Washington, at 8:15 a.m. Pacific Time. It moved a connection between AT&T's terrestrial wireless network and AST SpaceMobile's satellite network while using everyday smartphones.
Coverage Extension Enters Next Phase
Ericsson supports AT&T's radio and core technology, while Nokia supplies radio access and mobility software for AST SpaceMobile's space-based network. The companies say the integration reduces transition times from seconds to milliseconds and is intended to keep customers connected when they move beyond conventional tower coverage.
For investors, the milestone strengthens the technology case for satellite connectivity as a complement to AT&T's existing wireless network. It does not yet establish commercial-scale service: Robert Walters, AT&T's senior vice president of network, said the next phase is expected to include beta services under real-world conditions.
AT&T Stock Trades In Berlin
AT&T stock traded at 19.35 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 16:31 CET on Monday, November 9, 2026.
AT&T Inc. at a glance
- Company: AT&T Inc.
- ISIN: US00206R1023
- Price: 19.35 euros
- Trading venue: Lang & Schwarz
- Quote time: Monday, November 9, 2026, 16:31 CET
US telecom shares remain sensitive to network investment, spectrum costs and the pace at which new connectivity services generate recurring revenue. See the latest S&P 500 market reports for the broader US market setting.
