- Vodafone has just passed an important reference point for satellite video calls
- A “space video call” has been demonstrated using a standard smartphone
- The service will be implemented at the end of this year, although there are still no prices.
Vodafone has announced that he has reached a new milestone in the race to end the cellular ‘dead zones’, which calls the “first space video call of the world” using a standard mobile phone of “an area without coverage.”
These qualifiers are important because Starlink and T-Mobile demonstrated a video call made through X (previously Twitter) using non-modified phones last year. Therefore, Vodafone’s statement is specific to make video calls from areas such as the remote part of Wales, where its demonstration took place.
Even so, it is undoubtedly a significant moment and a great step in the Vodafone road to add satellite connectivity to its network at the end of this year in the United Kingdom and throughout Europe “from later in 2025 and 2026”.
Instead of replacing existing networks, direct satellite to mobile connectivity aims to be a useful extension that could eliminate “non -spots” (or dead areas) in rural areas and also, according to Vodafone, “vast surrounding sea sections” .
Vodafone states that his satellite experience “reflects the experience of existing 4G and 5G mobile networks”, although the demonstration phone call (which can be seen in the video below) certainly showed evidence of delay and low resolution footage. We may have to wait for the complete deployment to have a better quality idea.
The service is provided by Bluebird satellites of the Vodafone partner (and spacex rival) Ast Spacemobile. The system is based on five satellites and Vodafone calls it “the first and only mobile broadband network in space” that works directly with standard smartphones.
Rivals, such as T-Mobile and Starlink, are currently limited to text messages, although video calls and mobile data are on the road map. With AT&T and Verizon also working with AST Spacemobile to provide a similar service in the US., Satellite calls seems ready to take off worldwide in 2025.
How much will it cost?
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The great unknown of satellite connectivity and rival Vodafone systems is how much they will cost. Vodafone has not yet commented on prices, just stating that he will begin to implement the service “after more tests this spring” (so between March and June).
The need for satellite coverage, particularly video calls, depends largely on where you live. In the United Kingdom, ofcom has estimated that 9% of the country “lacks 4G coverage of good quality of any operator.” But those living in urban areas will also be familiar with the “dead areas” of the telephone network caused by interruptions between cell towers.
Apple iPhones and now Android phones such as the Google Pixel 9 series have received free emergency satellite characteristics, which can be potential lives. IOS 18 also introduced the ability to send text messages to anyone through a satellite connection, in addition to the option to obtain road assistance.
It is possible that these services eventually need a subscription, but Apple has not yet begun to collect. Therefore, the question for mobile networks such as Vodafone is how many people will need full mobile broadband through the satellite compared to emergency characteristics that are currently available for free of Apple.
Even so, we are not complaining about obtaining more connectivity options, and lucky competition will cause the prices of long -term satellite services.
