Vodafone UK has made the world’s first video call over satellite on a standard mobile phone. The milestone was achieved on regular cellphones and AST SpaceMobile’s Bluebird satellites. This direct-to-smartphone technology could be a game-changer in the race for space-based communication services.
The non-terrestrial video call took place between Vodafone engineer Rowan Chesmer and the telco’s Chief Executive Margherita Della Valle. Chesmer made the call from the mountains in mid-Wales. It’s a place that has never seen a mobile network. Check out: Video calls from mobile network in Nepal
Vodafone claims that the service allows mobile users to switch between satellite (space) and ground networks automatically. That means, it “mirrors the experience of existing 4G and 5G mobile networks.”
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Vodafone demoed satellite communication service using AST SpaceMobile gears
Vodafone had an AST SpaceMobile satellite to thank for the successful satellite video call. The satellite company recently launched five BlueBird low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites in September. Companies e.g., Vodafone can use them for non-terrestrial network (NTN) services.
AST’s satellite supports up to 120 Mbps transmission speed. The company has already reached agreements with Google, Rakuten, and about 4 dozen other companies for satellite services. The company claims that it offers a “full mobile broadband experience.”
Delighted at the historical achievement, Vodafone Group’s CEO Della Valle said that the company aims to bring connectivity to everyone. “Vodafone’s job is to get everyone connected, no matter where they are. Our advanced European 5G network will now be complemented with cutting-edge satellite technology.”
She added that Vodafone will help narrow the digital divide and keep family and friends in touch. The company also stresses the satellite network’s role in connecting the rural areas.
The telco plans to launch this groundbreaking satellite service somewhere in 2025. Its collaborator AST SpaceMobile is Starlink’s direct competitor.
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How Vodafone satellite service works?
Vodafone says that its satellite service works as an “extension of Vodafone’s leading land-based networks.” It adds that satellite is a “complementary, bolt-on technology providing valuable coverage where no feasible mobile network has to be present.
Vodafone Satellite connectivity Launch plans
Initially, Vodafone plans to launch its satellite connectivity service at the end of 2025. According to the company, it will expand the service in the remaining areas in 2026.
Satellite connection on non-satellite phone is the future!
The importance of Vodafone satellite communication lies in that it made the call on regular smartphones. Even more, unlike Startlink’s it conducted the test in an area that has no mobile network. So, it takes us to the new future of satellite connection on smartphones that have no native support for satellite connectivity.
There are select smartphones that support satellite service- All iPhone 14 to iPhone 16, Google’s Pixel 9 Pro, and some others that come with such connectivity. However, they come with hardware and software support to connect to satellites. For this very reason, these devices are also mightily expensive for many.
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The fact that Vodafone performed satellite video calls on 4G/5G smartphones shows us the future where regular phones can also connect to satellites for communication.
