Vodafone claims to have made the “world’s first” mobile video call using a satellite to connect a phone in an area with no mobile coverage. The UK-based telecoms company said it now plans to roll out the technology to European users later this year and in 2026. Vodafone CEO Margherita Della Valle received the video […]
Vodafone claims to have made the “world’s first” mobile video call using a satellite to connect a phone in an area with no mobile coverage.
The UK-based telecoms company said it now plans to roll out the technology to European users later this year and in 2026.
Vodafone CEO Margherita Della Valle received the video call from engineer Rowan Chesmer, who was located in a remote, mountainous area in Wales.
The demo echoed the first UK mobile call 40 years ago. Vodafone was the first British telco to make a call using a mobile network, on January 1, 1985, when Michael Harrison called his father Sir Ernest Harrison, then chairman of the mobile operator.
The British telco stated that the new satellite-powered service will provide users with an experience similar to 4G and 5G mobile networks in areas with no coverage, known as “not-spots”.
The technology will use five of AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites in low-Earth orbit, offering transmission speeds of up to 120 megabits per second for standard smartphones. It will work as a complementary, bolt-on technology to current users with mobile phones that can access satellite connectivity.
This means that mobile phones, such as Apple devices iPhone 14 or newer, as well as Google’s Pixel 9 and newer, will be able to access coverage even in areas where no viable mobile or fixed alternatives exist.
“This will help close the digital divide,” said Della Valle. “Supporting people from all corners of Europe to keep in touch with family and friends, or work, as well as ensuring reliable rural connectivity in an emergency.”
Abel Avellan, founder, chairman, and CEO of AST SpaceMobile added: “This latest achievement using our BlueBird satellites, takes us one step closer to our mission to eliminate connectivity gaps and make cellular broadband accessible to all.”
Tim Peake, who was there to witness the phone call, and was the first British astronaut to visit the International Space Station said: “Having spent six months on the International Space Station, I can fully appreciate the value in being able to communicate with family and friends from remote and isolated locations.”
“I am delighted to join Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile in this significant breakthrough.”
