Vodafone has completed the world’s first video call via satellite using a standard smartphone. The call was made from the Welsh mountains, an area devoid of traditional network coverage, by Vodafone engineer Rowan Chesmer to the company’s CEO, Margherita Della Valle.
This pioneering test marks a significant step towards eliminating network blackspots and ensuring uninterrupted communication in remote areas. It also means that shortly, users will be able to experience mobile calls, text, and video transmission without requiring specialised hardware.
Vodafone is leveraging the capabilities of AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO) to facilitate this technology. The satellites provide transmission speeds of up to 120 megabits per second, allowing seamless data exchange for users without traditional network access.
“We are using the only satellite service that can offer a full mobile experience with a normal device, so you get everything from voice to text to video data transmission, which is why we did a full video call,” Della Vella told Reuters. “Our objective is to bring the service to our customers as soon as possible.”
Vodafone is a key investor in AST SpaceMobile, alongside major industry players such as AT&T, Verizon, and Google. The development is part of a broader trend where mobile operators and smartphone manufacturers are racing to integrate satellite connectivity into their services.
Apple has already incorporated satellite-based emergency messaging into its iPhone lineup, starting with the iPhone 14. Other industry giants, including Google and Samsung, have followed suit with similar services.
Meanwhile, T-Mobile U.S. and Elon Musk’s SpaceX are collaborating to test Starlink satellites for mobile text services, with plans to expand to voice and data connectivity.
Vodafone aims to roll out satellite-enabled mobile services across Europe later in 2025 and into 2026. With this technology, the company is poised to take connectivity up a notch, ensuring that users can stay in touch regardless of location.
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