Vodafone Pioneers First-Ever Satellite Video Call on Standard Smartphone, Targets Europe Rollout
In a groundbreaking leap for mobile connectivity, Vodafone has successfully completed the world’s first live video call over satellite using an unmodified smartphone. The historic demonstration saw engineer Rowan Chesmer connect via satellite from a remote region in the Welsh mountains to Vodafone CEO Margherita Della Valle, showcasing the potential to eliminate coverage dead zones globally. The milestone, achieved in partnership with AST SpaceMobile and its cutting-edge BlueBird satellite network, delivered a seamless mobile broadband experience without requiring specialized hardware. This breakthrough leverages direct satellite-to-device technology, enabling standard smartphones to access high-speed connectivity even in areas traditionally devoid of cellular infrastructure. Vodafone emphasized the transformative implications of this innovation, particularly for rural or isolated communities where reliable network access remains scarce. “This marks a critical st...