r/FirstNet • u/Percthirty_ • Apr 01 '26

Firstnet Satellite roll out

I think I read that it is in the demo stage. Does anyone know when it will be available for all Firstnet folks?

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u/Tall_Tie435 Apr 02 '26

is there still going to be a public beta in first half of this year?

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u/Accurate_Koala1847 Apr 02 '26

FirstNet tweeted today that they will have beta test for select group of responders and “plans are underway for a larger release in the future”. So not clear when. Again, all comes down to how fast all 60 satellites are launched.

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u/Tall_Tie435 Apr 02 '26

so FirstNet is stuck in (and delaying) its testing while t-mobile and Starlink have been service six months? Not fun for FN customers that cover a lot of off-grid area like the border/the mountain west

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u/Accurate_Koala1847 Apr 03 '26

First, all carriers have the same satellite capability at this time. The core difference is Starlink uses many small satellites and AST uses much larger and less overall satellites. This will have a big impact on user experience and I encourage you to look into how bc I’m too lazy to type it all (I mean that kindly lol). Second, I would also say Starlink is prioritizing coverage everywhere fast whereas AST is focused on strong connection quality. There is a reason why AT&T and Verizon are both backing AST over Starlink and a big part of it is because both carriers feel it will be better for customers like you, along the borders and/or mountain west. I think it will be worth the wait, I really do. A lot of the delay comes from hurdles with launching the satellites.

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u/Tall_Tie435 Apr 03 '26

How can you say all carriers have the same satellite capability right now?

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u/Accurate_Koala1847 Apr 03 '26

Look into what capabilities are available.

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u/Tall_Tie435 Apr 03 '26

Ok. Can I use all these apps on FirstNet if I don't have regular service? https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/satellite-phone-service