Vodafone has made what it calls “the world’s first” satellite video call using a standard smartphone, in a test of a system it says will provide mobile broadband service to 4G and 5G phones without dedicated satellite hardware. The service, using satellites from SpaceX rival AST SpaceMobile, is expected to launch in Europe before the end of 2025.

Months after launching into orbit, AST SpaceMobile's first BlueBird satellites have successfully powered a video call between two unmodified smartphones on the ground. US-based AST tested the technology in the UK with Vodafone,

In a bid to bring coverage to connectivity blackspots, Vodafone has teamed up with AST SpaceMobile to make calls using satellites.

Vodafone boss Margherita Della Valle says it could eliminate "not spots" - places without mobile signal - which regulator Ofcom estimates can be found in 9% of the UK. However, experts say regulatory hurdles will need to be cleared and many more satellites launched for the service to take off.

Vodafone said it had made the world's first video call via satellite using a standard smartphone from a remote location, and it plans to roll out the technology for its users across Europe later this year and in 2026.

Vodafone wants to offer satellite internet in Europe from 2025. To kick things off, the Vodafone boss made the first video call by smartphone via satellite.

Vodafone has pledged to eliminate rural signal “not-spots” with the launch of a new satellite mobile service...

Vodafone has demonstrated the capabilities of a new satellite network by making what it calls the "world's first" satellite video call, albeit with some caveats. The company used partner AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird satellites specifically designed to transmit 4G/5G mobile broadband signals from space.

Vodafone made a world-first video call over satellite using a normal smartphone, with commercial services starting later this year.