Vodafone has announced the successful completion of the world’s first video call via satellite using a standard smartphone from a remote location. The call was made from the Welsh mountains, an area with no network signal, and the technology is set to be rolled out across Europe later this year and into 2026. The CEO of Vodafone, Margherita Della Valle, received the video call on Monday from company engineer Rowan Chesmer, who was in the remote location.
“We were using the only satellite service that offers a full mobile experience with a standard device, which allows for voice, text, and video data transmission, making a full video call possible,” Della Valle explained in an interview. The company’s goal is to bring this service to its customers as soon as possible.
Vodafone’s video call success is powered by AST SpaceMobile’s five BlueBird satellites in low-Earth orbit, enabling data transmission speeds of up to 120 megabits per second for regular smartphones. Vodafone is an investor in AST SpaceMobile, alongside companies like AT&T, Verizon, and Google.
The move is part of a growing effort by mobile operators and smartphone manufacturers to use satellite technology to close network coverage gaps. Apple’s iPhones have been able to send emergency texts and share locations using satellites since the iPhone 14, and other tech companies like Google and Samsung are providing similar services.
T-Mobile U.S. and SpaceX are testing Starlink satellites for text services, with plans to include voice and data in the future. Apple’s latest iPhones and some Android devices are eligible for these services.
British astronaut Tim Peake joined Della Valle at the launch of Vodafone’s space-to-land gateway at its headquarters in Newbury, UK. This gateway facilitates communication between a user’s smartphone and the satellite network, connecting signals into Vodafone’s core network. Peake, who spent 186 days in space and became the first Briton to conduct a spacewalk in 2015, praised the ability to provide mobile coverage through space technology.
“Having spent time in space, I understand the importance of staying connected with family and friends, especially in isolated environments,” Peake said. He also expressed his enthusiasm for future missions, saying he would “put his hand in the air” if another opportunity arose.