Link: Vodafone makes ‘world’s first’ satellite video call from a regular phone ahead of 2025 rollout

Vodafone has successfully conducted what it claims is "the world's first" satellite video call using a standard smartphone, despite a prior demonstration by SpaceX. The test utilized satellites from AST SpaceMobile, aiming to provide mobile broadband to 4G and 5G phones without special satellite hardware.

The service is slated to launch in Europe by late 2025, with partnerships already in place with major U.S. carriers like AT&T and Verizon to expand coverage in the United States. AST SpaceMobile has gained FCC approval to start U.S. testing this spring.

Vodafone’s test call was made from a remote Welsh mountain to CEO Margherita Della Valle, displaying the technology's ability to reach areas without existing mobile coverage. Although the video quality showed some lag, the call itself remained stable.

The satellite service works through low Earth orbit satellites and a space-to-land gateway that links directly to Vodafone's terrestrial network. This technology is seen as a vital tool to cover connectivity gaps in remote locations.

AST SpaceMobile’s system connects via standard mobile signals, allowing the use of unmodified smartphones. Vodafone’s broader vision encompasses not just calls but a comprehensive mobile broadband experience, promising speeds up to 120 Mbps.

Vodafone aims to bridge the digital divide, enhancing connectivity for those in isolated areas across Europe to boost overall communication and safety. No details on pricing have been disclosed yet.

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