T ▲ +0.1% - AT&T Inc. $T ASTS announced what they believe is the first successful seamless handoff between a terrestrial cellular network and a direct-to-device satellite network, advancing satellite broadband connectivity for everyday smartphones. * Technical Milestone: Demonstrated October 21 near Granite Falls, Washington, the handoff maintained connectivity between AT&T's ground network and AST's BlueBird satellites without requiring specialized phones. * Technology Partners: Ericsson ($ERIC) provided AT&T's radio, core-network and automation technology, designed to reduce handoff times from seconds to milliseconds. Nokia ($NOK) supplied AST's satellite-network radio access and mobility software. * Commercial Roadmap: The companies plan real-world beta testing before commercial launch, targeting coverage gaps in remote areas and more resilient communications for first responders. * Network Strategy: AST's satellite broadband is designed to complement AT&T's terrestrial network, allowing calls, apps and streaming to continue as users move between coverage areas. 02-NOV-2026 12:06 PM ET