Vodafone has achieved what it terms the world’s first video call via satellite using standard smartphones, marking a significant milestone almost 40 years after the company made the UK's inaugural mobile call. This groundbreaking call, made by engineer Rowan Chesmer from the remote mountains of Wales, utilized AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird satellites, which are engineered to facilitate mobile broadband access to regular 4G and 5G devices without the need for specialized hardware.
During the call, Vodafone Group’s CEO, Margherita Della Valle, received the video transmission, shedding light on the capabilities of the new technology. The demonstration emphasizes Vodafone's ambition to bridge connectivity gaps, especially for areas lacking traditional cellular service. "We were using the only satellite service capable of providing a full mobile experience with standard devices, allowing everything from voice to video data transmission," Della Valle explained during the call.
The video call was made possible through several of AST SpaceMobile’s low Earth orbit satellites, which can support high-speed connections of up to 120 megabits per second. Chesmer managed to establish this connection from what has been described as a cellular dead zone, showcasing the potential of satellite networks to deliver services to remote locations.
AST SpaceMobile has been at the forefront of developing technology to expand mobile coverage, claiming to have the first and only mobile broadband network capable of interacting with regular smartphones. The calls are possible because the BlueBird satellites work seamlessly with existing cellular infrastructure, allowing smartphones to switch between ground and satellite networks automatically.
The significance of the moment was underscored by some notes on history. The initial mobile call made by Vodafone, back in January 1985, involved Sir Ernest Harrison, Vodafone's founder, making a call to his father from London’s Parliament Square. Fast forward to the present day, and Vodafone is once again leading the charge — from standard mobile phones to satellite video calling.
Both Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile are eager to capitalize on this advancement. “This historic milestone marks another significant step forward,” said Abel Avellan, AST SpaceMobile’s Founder and CEO. “Together, we have achieved several world firsts in space-based broadband connectivity.” The focus of this partnership is to provide comprehensive mobile broadband service to underserved areas, eliminating connectivity gaps where terrestrial networks fail.
Though the quality of the initial video call was described as somewhat low-resolution with noticeable lag, the service is said to be improving. The team behind the technology believes they can refine it to offer quality suitable for everyday use, potentially revolutionizing how users access broadband services globally.
The commercial rollout of this satellite service to consumers across Europe is projected to begin by late 2025, with thorough testing planned throughout 2024. Vodafone aims to plug the gaps left by traditional mobile network providers, ensuring everyone has access to mobile communications. This service is considered potentially transformative for users located not only in remote areas like rural Britain but also along coastal regions.
Technological advancements such as these have become increasingly important as mobile operators acknowledge the necessity of reaching users beyond standard network boundaries. Companies such as T-Mobile and SpaceX’s Starlink are also working on similar technology, but unlike Vodafone's approach, their initial offerings may be limited to text messaging rather than full data service.
The collaborative efforts of Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile signal the start of what could be the next evolution of mobile connectivity. The companies envision not just expanded reach but improved digital communication across Europe, connecting people previously isolated from modern technology.
With the successful completion of this video call, Vodafone has set ambitious goals for the future. The company has plans for subsequent tests to optimize service and address any technical challenges before initiating the public launch. Their message remains clear: connecting everyone, everywhere is the priority.
Margherita Della Valle aptly summarized their purpose: “Vodafone’s job is to get everyone connected, no matter where they are,” emphasizing the commitment to tackle the digital divide. Astronaut Tim Peake, who joined Della Valle at the announcement event, echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the importance of communication from isolated locations: “Having spent six months on the International Space Station, I understand how invaluable connectivity can be when living far from home.”
Looking forward, the collaboration stands to propel advancements not just within the telecommunications field but also within the broader technology sector. This initiative aims to redefine how users engage with mobile technology, potentially bringing down barriers and making mobile communications accessible to users globally. Vodafone’s strides represent not just technological success but also progress toward eliminating the digital divide.