Vodafone has made a “world-first” satellite video call using AST partner SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites. The technology will provide users with mobile broadband connectivity with any 4G/5G smartphone in remote areas where traditional mobile coverage is lacking.
Vodafone has made a “world-first” satellite video call using AST partner SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites. The technology will provide users with mobile broadband connectivity with any 4G/5G smartphone in remote areas where traditional mobile coverage is lacking.
During the demonstration, Vodafone Group CEO Margherita Della Valle explained that BlueBird satellites can connect directly to a regular smartphone and then transmit the signal back to Vodafone's terrestrial network via a satellite link. She then took a call from an engineer in a remote mountainous region of Wales, a "ground zero" where there is no cellular coverage. The connection quality was somewhat poor and had significant delays, but otherwise it was decent, Engadget writes .
AST SpaceMobile's five BlueBird satellites carry communications systems that provide standard smartphones with the same voice, data and video speeds as broadband towers, up to 120 megabits per second. Once operational, the satellites will provide "continuous mobile broadband connectivity across the United States and select markets around the world." This will allow mobile users to communicate even in areas with limited broadband tower coverage, such as rural communities or national parks.
The company plans to launch in Europe at the end of 2025. It is unknown when it will launch in the US.
Recall that Kyivstar signed an agreement with Starlink to implement Direct to Cell satellite communication .
