TL;DR: AT&T CEO John Stankey said AT&T expects direct-to-device service with AST SpaceMobile in 2027 and does not need a wholesale satellite mobile virtual network operator arrangement.

AT&T CEO John Stankey said AT&T expects to launch direct-to-device service with AST SpaceMobile in 2027 for remote coverage. Direct-to-device service connects standard mobile devices to satellites without a separate satellite handset.

John Stankey said a satellite MVNO, or mobile virtual network operator, wholesale agreement would solve a problem AT&T does not have. An MVNO is a provider that sells mobile service using another operator's network rather than owning the full network itself.

The comments indicate AT&T plans to rely on its existing partnership with AST SpaceMobile for satellite-based remote coverage instead of pursuing a separate wholesale satellite MVNO deal. The source did not provide additional launch details, device support information, pricing, or country-by-country availability.

Related questions

  • When does AT&T expect to launch direct-to-device service with AST SpaceMobile?
  • What did John Stankey say about a wholesale satellite MVNO agreement?
  • What role does AST SpaceMobile play in AT&T's remote coverage plans?

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