Vodafone Makes History: First-Ever Space Video Call Using a Regular Smartphone!
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, 30th January 2025 – Vodafone made a tremendous leap in telecommunications when they proved that it is possible to make a video call with a standard mobile phone that uses commercial satellites.
This breakthroughs has the potential to eliminate mobile coverage gaps, especially in areas with previously no broadband connection.
The record-breaking call was made by Rowan Chesmer, a Vodafone engineer, from a remote location in mid-Wales. The area was previously believed to not have mobile broadband coverage.
In the call, he was linked to the Chief Executive of Vodafone group, Margherita Della Valle. During the call, he showcased the possibility of accessing broadband mobile services with 4G or 5G smartphones.
In the words of Margherita Del Valle, head of the company,
“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.”
With the advancements made by other companies such as Starlink, it is now possible to enable users to switch from a terrestrial network to a space network without the need of specialized equipment.
The Holy Grail of Mobile Broadband – Whenever and Wherever – was launched and demonstrated in London by Abel Avellan, CEO of AST SpaceMobile.
The onboard presentation of the satellite’s display image was made live through collaboration with Vodacom in South Africa.
It is positive to note that the mobile services have been initiated and in the coming years, they will work in all the regions of the world. Even in Brazil, it was possible to demonstrate perfect 4G smartphone functionality.
The most crucial necessity, however, is setting the timeliness for the STAP 4 satellite launches: only then will mobile services work at a reasonable level.
AST SpaceMobile is building a net of satellites to work on all geostationary orbits. The first, EXP1, is expected to launch in 2025. Most of the uses will be focused on 4G coverage for phones fallback.
Until the first satellites providing the enormous collection of mobile services reach orbit, everything will stay so simple.
Abel Avellan made a statement on what this milestone means for the company and industry:
“As a virtual mobile operator, we have tested our smartphone-friendly nano-satellites and 4G BRE. We can confirm that these technologies enable broadband connectivity on an exceptional level.”
Vodafone is seeking to widen the reach of its satellite-based services and plans to be ready to provide the first commercial direct-to-smartphone broadband satellite service in Europe in 2025 and 2026.
This service is still being investigated, but the potential applications of this technology appear endless.
The success of this endeavor is bound to lead to further innovation and potential opportunities in global connectivity. It signifies an important step forward in the telecom industry.
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