Vodafone has reached a major milestone by completing the world’s first video call from space using standard 4G and 5G smartphones. This breakthrough leverages satellite technology to bring connectivity to areas without traditional mobile coverage.
Unlike traditional satellite services, this technology does not require satellite phones, external dishes, or special terminals. It delivers mobile broadband similar to existing 4G and 5G networks, enabling smartphones to switch seamlessly between satellite and ground-based networks.
Historic Space Video Call
Vodafone’s new space-to-land gateway successfully received the first-ever space-based video call, facilitated by AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites. Vodafone engineer Rowan Chesmer placed the call from a remote mountainous region in mid-Wales—an area with no prior mobile broadband access—to Vodafone Group Chief Executive Margherita Della Valle.
How It Works
Operating from low Earth orbit, this satellite service extends Vodafone’s land-based networks, making it the only satellite broadband network directly connecting to multiple 4G and 5G smartphones. It ensures reliable connectivity in remote locations such as mountains, open seas, and rural areas where no other mobile or fixed service is available.
A Milestone in Mobile History
This achievement comes 40 years after Vodafone made the UK’s first-ever mobile phone call on January 1, 1985. The direct-to-mobile satellite technology integrates seamlessly with Vodafone’s fiber and mobile networks, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity without additional devices or manual switching.
Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant praised the initiative, stating, “Vodafone’s use of satellite and 5G technology to connect hard-to-reach areas aligns with our goal of digital inclusion and growth.”
Vodafone’s Role in AST SpaceMobile
Vodafone became a lead investor in AST SpaceMobile in 2019, playing a key role in pioneering space-based connectivity trials. AST SpaceMobile’s five BlueBird satellites now provide peak data transmission speeds of up to 120 Mbps directly to existing smartphones. Unlike other low Earth orbit satellite constellations, this network enables real-time mobile broadband, surpassing basic text messaging capabilities.
Future Plans
Following further testing in Spring 2025, Vodafone aims to gradually launch its direct-to-smartphone broadband satellite service across European markets later this year and into 2026.
Speaking about the milestone, Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group Chief Executive, said:
Vodafone’s mission is to connect everyone, no matter where they are. Our advanced European 5G network will now be strengthened with cutting-edge satellite technology. We are delivering the best network experience and reaching people who have never had access to mobile communications before. This innovation will help bridge the digital divide, enabling people across Europe to stay connected with family and friends, work remotely, and ensure reliable communication in rural areas, especially during emergencies.
Commenting on the achievement, Abel Avellan, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of AST SpaceMobile, said:
This milestone represents another significant advancement in our partnership with Vodafone, a long-time investor in AST SpaceMobile and a crucial technology partner. Together, we’ve achieved numerous world firsts in space-based broadband connectivity, including the first space-based voice call, the first 4G download speed above 10 Mbps, and the first 5G voice call. This latest achievement with our BlueBird satellites brings us closer to our mission of closing connectivity gaps and making cellular broadband accessible to everyone.