The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted AST SpaceMobile, in coordination with AT&T, the ability to test direct-to-cellular connectivity on public safety’s Band 14 spectrum via their BlueBird satellites. With this new approval, the company says it believes first responders on FirstNet will be able to trial public-safety-grade satellite communications later this year.

“We are designing satellite connectivity via FirstNet to give first responders the unique capabilities that set the terrestrial FirstNet network apart from commercial networks, FirstNet says. Last year, the company successfully tested mission-critical capabilities such as push-to-talk services, and this authorization will help build on the FirstNet network’s already extensive multi-layered coverage.

“Satellite connectivity on FirstNet is being built with public safety’s unique needs in mind,” said Matt Walsh, AVP of FirstNet and NextGen 9-1-1 Products for AT&T. “First responders need more than the minimum and we are excited to continue building out our comprehensive network to serve the public safety community.”

Remote areas continue to be a challenge for public safety professionals who need reliable and consistent coverage, the company says. This includes places like national parks, where thousands of search-and-rescue missions are conducted each year, according to the National Park Service. Satellite-to-cellular connectivity will be complimentary to and extend the reach of the FirstNet network for first responders in rural or off-grid locations, the company says.

Public safety stakeholders across the country have recognized the importance of satellite connectivity for years, identifying portable solutions like Satellite Cell on Light Trucks (SatCOLTs) as a “must have” solution. It’s why FirstNet is the only network in the country with a dedicated fleet of more than 180 satellite-based deployable network assets, FirstNet says.

“We were also the first to enable agencies to own and deploy their own mobile cell sites – agencies have purchased more than 500 – giving them better command and control of their network. And FirstNet users with capable devices currently have access to satellite features including peer-to-peer messaging and emergency satellite services,” FirstNet says.

To learn more about FirstNet, go to FirstNet.com. Individual first responders can also subscribe to FirstNet at their local AT&T store and save 25% off AT&T lines for their family members on the AT&T commercial network.