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.

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 announced it successfully conducted the world’s first video call via satellite using a standard smartphone. The call was made by engineer Rowan Chesmer from a remote location to CEO Margherita Della Valle.

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

Vodafone has carried out what it says is the UK's first satellite-enabled smartphone video call. The company says the call - made from a mountain in Ceredigion, west Wales - is part of the process of adding satellite connectivity to its UK phone network by the end of the year,