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Vodafone Achieves World’s First Satellite Video Call with a Regular Smartphone

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Vodafone has announced a groundbreaking achievement in mobile communications by successfully making the world’s first satellite video call using a standard smartphone. The call was made from a remote location without any traditional network coverage, demonstrating the potential of satellite connectivity to bridge connectivity gaps. The company plans to roll out this technology to its users across Europe later this year and into 2026, marking a significant step toward expanding mobile access to underserved areas.

The historic call took place on Monday, with Vodafone’s CEO Margherita Della Valle receiving a video call from company engineer Rowan Chesmer, who was stationed in the Welsh mountains, an area with no cellular signal. The call was made using a satellite connection, requiring no specialized hardware or modifications to the smartphone. “We were using the only satellite service that can offer a full mobile experience with a normal device, so you get everything from voice to text to video data transmission,” Della Valle stated. She emphasized Vodafone’s commitment to making this service available to customers as soon as possible.

The technology behind this breakthrough is powered by AST SpaceMobile’s constellation of five BlueBird satellites in low-Earth orbit. These satellites enable transmission speeds of up to 120 megabits per second, allowing users to make calls, send messages, and stream video content without needing traditional mobile towers. Unlike other satellite services that typically require specialized equipment, Vodafone’s approach ensures seamless integration with existing smartphones.

Vodafone is a key investor in AST SpaceMobile, alongside major industry players such as AT&T, Verizon, and Google. The collaboration reflects a broader push within the telecommunications industry to extend coverage to remote and rural areas using satellite technology. As Vodafone moves forward with the deployment, the success of this initiative could reshape mobile connectivity worldwide, making reliable service accessible even in the most isolated locations.

SpaceX’s Rise Under Trump 2.0 Welcomed by Asia’s No. 1 Satellite Company

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For SKY Perfect JSAT (9412.T), Asia’s leading satellite company, the rise of Elon Musk’s SpaceX under the second Donald Trump presidency is not seen as a challenge but rather as an opportunity, according to the company’s president, Eiichi Yonekura. The Japanese firm plans to deepen its relationship with SpaceX, especially after announcing a $230 million investment in Planet Labs’ low-Earth orbit satellite Pelican, aimed at expanding its satellite imagery business.

Yonekura emphasized that the rapid advancements of SpaceX have been instrumental to the growth of JSAT, citing the company’s reliance on SpaceX rockets to launch its satellites into space. He added that the relationship has been beneficial, as the company is “probably the biggest SpaceX customer in Asia” and is set to expand its satellite operations with the launch of Planet Labs’ Pelicans, which will use SpaceX’s Falcon 9 for their deployments.

Musk’s close ties with Trump are also believed to have had an influence on U.S. space policies, with a stronger emphasis on Mars exploration. Reports suggest that the Trump administration may eliminate the National Space Council, a move that could potentially benefit SpaceX due to Musk’s lobbying efforts.

JSAT, which operates 17 geosynchronous communication satellites—the largest fleet in Asia—plans to enter the low-orbit satellite business by constructing a constellation of 10 Planet Pelicans by 2027. The company aims to generate 23 billion yen ($151 million) in revenue from satellite data services by fiscal year 2030, primarily from national security clients.

SpaceX’s development of the reusable Falcon 9 booster has revolutionized the cost structure of satellite launches, helping to lower costs significantly. While JSAT currently depends heavily on SpaceX for launches, Yonekura noted that if access to SpaceX boosters were to be restricted, JSAT would consider working with long-time European partner Arianespace or Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, whose H3 rocket is expected to become competitive within the next four to five years.

 

ESA to Live-Stream Reentry of Salsa Satellite Cluster on September

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ESA to Monitor Salsa Satellite’s Reentry Live, Aiming for Safe Landing in the South Pacific Ocean Devamını Oku