In a striking new commercial, Apollo 11 moonwalker Buzz Aldrin collaborates with Verizon to showcase the company's satellite-based cell service designed to eliminate communication dead zones. At 95, Aldrin, who made history by walking on the moon in 1969, appears alongside Paul Marcarelli, famously known for the 'Can you hear me now?' campaign, to ask, 'Can you text me now?'
The ad features Aldrin in a silver jacket with the Apollo 11 mission patch, demonstrating Verizon's service in remote locations, from canyons to snow-covered mountains. Using a Verizon-issued Android smartphone, he successfully sends texts, emphasizing the technology's reach even in the most isolated areas.
Verizon's satellite service enables customers with select updated phones to send texts, including emergency SOS messages, in places lacking cellular coverage. The service operates through a line of sight to satellites and is expected to cover areas previously deemed unreachable.
Additionally, Verizon has partnered with AST SpaceMobile, which recently received FCC approval to test its direct-to-cellular satellite service. This collaboration aims to enhance connectivity by allowing Verizon smartphones to access voice and data services without specialized software.
Aldrin's closing line in the commercial, 'That's one giant leap for connectivity,' encapsulates the innovative spirit of this technology, marking a significant advancement in global communication.