Is it possible to receive satellite signals (5G NTN) with unmodified cell phones? Any such trials taking place already?

Is it possible to receive satellite signals (5G NTN) with unmodified cell phones? Any such trials taking place already?

1. T‑Mobile USA has announced text messages & voice calls in "unmodified phones" using the new v2 Starlink Satellites over T-Mobile’s PCS spectrum.

In August 2022, T-Mobile and SpaceX announced a partnership to use SpaceX's Starlink satellites to provide mobile users with network access in parts of the United States. The project was called COVERAGE ABOVE & BEYOND, and its goal is to spread mobile coverage, as all remote areas that do not have coverage, such as some villages, deserts, mountains and remote areas, with an objective to cover the dead zones.

The partnership will allow T-Mobile customers to use their unmodified phones to connect to Starlink satellites and send text messages, make voice calls, and use data services. The service is expected to be available in select areas by the end of 2023.

2. AT&T & Vodafone have announced support for "unmodified 5G smartphones" using AST SpaceMobile’s LEO satellite.

In April 2023, AT&T and Vodafone announced that they would be working with AST SpaceMobile to provide 5G connectivity to unmodified smartphones using AST SpaceMobile's LEO satellite constellation.

The partnership is a major step forward for AST SpaceMobile, as it will allow the company to bring its services to a wider audience. AT&T and Vodafone are two of the largest mobile operators in the world, and their support will help to make AST SpaceMobile's service more accessible to people around the globe.

The service is expected to be initially limited to voice calls and text messages, but the companies plan to eventually offer data services as well. The data speeds are expected to be slower than traditional cellular data, but they will be sufficient for basic tasks such as browsing the web and checking email.