- Vodafone has just passed a large landmark for satellite video call
- It’s demonstrated a “room video call” using a standard smartphone
- The service is rolled out later in the year even though there is no pricing yet
Vodafone has announced that it has been hit by a new milestone in the course of ending frustrating cellular ‘dead zones’ – with what it calls “the world’s first room video call” using a standard mobile phone from “an area without cover.”
These qualifications are important because Starlink and T-Mobile demoed a video call made through X (formerly Twitter) using unmodified phones last year. So Vodafone’s claim is specific to make video calls from areas such as the remote part of Wales where its demo took place.
Still, it’s definitely a significant moment and a big step on Vodafone’s path to adding satellite connection to its network by the end of this year in the UK and throughout Europe “from later in 2025 and 2026.”
Instead of replacing existing networks, aim directly to mobile satellite connection to be a useful expansion that can eliminate “not stains” (or dead zones) in rural and also according to Vodafone, “large stretches of surrounding sea.”
Vodafone claims that its satellite experience “mirrors the experience of existing 4G and 5G mobile networks”, although the Demo phone call (as you can see in the video below) determined evidence of delay and low-resolution recordings. We may have to wait for the full roll -out to get a better idea of quality.
The service is provided by Bluebird satellites from Vodafones Partner (and SpaceX -Rival) Ast Spacemobile. The system is based on five satellites, and Vodafone calls it “the first and only mobile broadband networks in the room” that works directly with standard smartphones.
Rival systems that T-Mobile and Starlink’s are currently limited to text messages, although video calls and mobile data are on the timetable. With AT&T and Verizon, who also work with AST SPACEMOBILE to provide a similar service in the United States, satellite calls look ready to leave in 2025.
How much does it cost?
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The great unknown of Vodafone’s satellite connection and rival systems are how much they cost. Vodafone has not yet commented on pricing, stating that it will only start rolling the “After further testing in the spring” (then between March and June).
The need for satellite coverage, especially video calls, depends a lot on where you live. In the UK, Ofcom has estimated that 9% of the country “lacks 4G coverage of good quality from any operator”. But those living in urban areas will also be familiar with the telephone network “Dead zones” caused by interruptions between cell towers.
Apple’s iPhones and now Android phones such as the Google Pixel 9 series have received free emergencies SOS satellite features that can be potential lifeguards. iOS 18 also introduced the possibility of sending an SMS to anyone via a satellite connection plus the opportunity to get roadside assistance.
It is possible that these services eventually need a subscription, but Apple has not started to charge yet. So the question for mobile networks like Vodafone is how many people need full mobile broadband via satellite compared to the emergency features currently available for free from Apple.
We are still not complaining about getting more connection options, and competition will hopefully run the prices of satellite -based services down in the long term.
