World's first satellite video call made using a regular smartphone. When and where?

Vodafone has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by making the world’s first video call via satellite using a regular smartphone. The call was placed from a remote location in the Welsh mountains, where there was no network signal, to the company’s CEO, Margherita Della Valle. This innovation marks a major step toward universal digital connectivity, with Vodafone planning to roll out the technology across Europe later this year and in 2026.

The European telecom giant is leveraging AST SpaceMobile’s low-Earth orbit satellites, known as BlueBird, to provide transmission speeds of up to 120 megabits per second. Unlike traditional satellite-based services that require special equipment or satellite phones, this technology allows users to make calls, send messages, and access the internet directly from their standard smartphones. The service seamlessly integrates with existing 4G and 5G networks, enabling users to switch between terrestrial and satellite networks automatically.

The development is expected to be a game changer for those in remote or underserved areas with little to no mobile coverage. By eliminating mobile coverage gaps, Vodafone aims to ensure that connectivity is accessible even in the most isolated locations. The initiative aligns with the broader goal of expanding digital access globally, particularly in regions where building traditional mobile infrastructure is challenging.


To mark the achievement, Vodafone unveiled its space-to-land gateway at its UK headquarters in Newbury, which acts as the crucial link between a user's smartphone, the satellite, and the company’s core network. British astronaut Tim Peake, who attended the launch, hailed the breakthrough, emphasizing the importance of seamless connectivity in remote environments. Drawing from his experience of spending 186 days aboard the International Space Station, he underscored how staying connected to loved ones can be vital, even in the most isolated settings.

The satellite-powered mobile service represents a significant advancement in telecommunications, paving the way for a future where mobile coverage is no longer constrained by geographical limitations. As the company moves toward commercial deployment, the technology promises to redefine mobile connectivity for millions worldwide.