Vodafone has made history with the successful completion of the world’s first video call via satellite using a standard smartphone, a groundbreaking achievement that has the potential to transform mobile connectivity, particularly in remote and underserved areas. The call was made on January 29, 2025, from the Welsh mountains, an area known for its lack of mobile network coverage. The recipient of the call was Vodafone’s CEO, Margherita Della Valle, who was in a connected location. This call, which included voice, text, and video data transmission, demonstrated the full capabilities of satellite technology, allowing for a comprehensive mobile experience without the need for traditional network infrastructure.
The successful video call was made possible through Vodafone’s collaboration with AST SpaceMobile, which launched five BlueBird satellites into low-Earth orbit. These satellites enable transmission speeds of up to 120 megabits per second, providing high-speed connectivity for standard smartphones. AST SpaceMobile, in which Vodafone is a major investor, is also backed by industry giants like AT&T, Verizon, and Google. The satellite technology allows smartphones to connect directly to satellites, bypassing the need for terrestrial cellular towers, marking a major step forward in global mobile communication.
Vodafone’s achievement is part of the company’s broader plan to roll out satellite-powered services across Europe later this year, with plans to expand to other regions in 2026. This development could change the future of mobile connectivity, particularly for people living in rural and isolated areas where traditional networks are not available. By providing services such as voice, text, and high-speed internet access via satellite, Vodafone is opening up new possibilities for communication in areas that have long been underserved by conventional mobile infrastructure.
The move to satellite communication comes at a time when competition in the satellite connectivity space is intensifying. Apple, for instance, has integrated satellite connectivity into its iPhone 14 and newer models, allowing users to send emergency messages and share locations using low-bandwidth satellite connections. Similarly, companies like Google and Samsung are exploring similar satellite services, while in the United States, T-Mobile and SpaceX are testing Starlink satellites to provide text services, with future plans to expand to voice and data.
Vodafone’s satellite initiative was further highlighted during the launch of its space-to-land gateway, a key component in the company’s satellite communication network. British astronaut Tim Peake, who became the first Briton to visit the International Space Station (ISS) in 2015, was present at the event. Peake, who spent six months on the ISS, underscored the importance of reliable communication in remote environments. His firsthand experience of the isolation of space made him particularly attuned to the significance of space-based communication for people on Earth, particularly in isolated regions where traditional connectivity is unavailable.
Vodafone’s achievement signifies a pivotal moment in the evolution of mobile technology. As the company prepares for a wider rollout of satellite services in the coming years, it is clear that space-based connectivity will play an increasingly important role in bridging communication gaps across the globe. Whether for everyday communication or emergency services, the ability to use a standard smartphone to access satellite connectivity is poised to change the way people connect, regardless of their location. With further advancements and a growing reliance on satellite networks, this technology is set to provide faster, more reliable communication solutions for individuals and businesses, no matter how remote their environments may be.
