There has been some confusion, not to say argument, as to whether AST SpaceMobile will manage to connect to users when inside a home, office building or while out shopping and inside stores. AST has partnerships with dozens of cellular telcos but the whole rationale for AST is to provide connectivity when out of range with a cellular partner.

Data from expert technicians now suggests that many of these problems will be easily handled by AST. For example, with a transmitted signal strength from the satellite of 35 dBi (decibel isotropic which is a unit measuring an antenna’s signal strength and directionality) this is powerful enough for outdoor and vehicle connectivity. But at this level it is unlikely to reliably pass through heavy building walls.

However, a +5 dB increase (to 40 dBi) improves the signal strength three-fold, and should manage to compensate for “light indoor” penetration loss. The frequencies on AST’s mid-band and ‘next generation’ BlueBird satellites represent a significant jump in connectivity to nearer 46 dBi (and an 11 dB improvement over AST’s current first-generation satellites).

Time, and practical examples, will prove the theorists right or wrong. AST makes much of their ability to connect with ‘ordinary’ unmodified 4G and 5G smart-phones. But users will want maximum satellite connectivity even when inside buildings if AST’s service is to be not much more than a useful out-of-doors security device.

The first of AST’s second-generation satellites will launch on an Indian rocket around December 21st-22nd.

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Tags: AST SpaceMobile, satellite