Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile

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  • Posted by: Evans Asare
Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile

Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile achieve Historic Satellite-Powered Video Call. Vodafone Group, in collaboration with its partner AST SpaceMobile, has marked a significant milestone in the space connectivity race, announcing what they claim to be the world’s first video call made using a smartphone and satellite technology in an area previously without mobile coverage.

In a groundbreaking demonstration, the call was placed from a remote, mountainous location in Wales, an area known for its lack of mobile signal. Engineer Rowan Chesmar successfully made the “historic first space mobile video call” to Vodafone’s CEO, Margherita Della Valle, in Newbury, UK. Joining them for the momentous occasion was UK astronaut Tim Peake, who was present as the new space-to-land gateway was unveiled.

This gateway, a critical component of the innovative project, channels signals sent from a user’s smartphone to AST SpaceMobile’s Bluebird satellites. Once the signal reaches the satellite, it is seamlessly integrated into Vodafone’s terrestrial mobile network, ensuring the call was successfully connected despite the lack of traditional mobile infrastructure.

Vodafone’s breakthrough satellite service operates in low Earth orbit, making it the first of its kind to provide mobile broadband directly to multiple 4G or 5G smartphones.

The company emphasised that this satellite network is not only a revolutionary step forward in space connectivity, but it also functions as an extension of Vodafone’s existing land-based network, providing a seamless and reliable service for users in remote or previously underserved regions.

The successful test call took place in an area that Vodafone confirmed had never had access to mobile broadband before. This achievement is part of Vodafone’s broader effort to offer a commercial direct-to-device service in Europe later this year, which would further solidify its leadership in the evolving space connectivity sector.

Speaking on the milestone, Margherita Della Valle stated that complementing the company’s cutting-edge European 5G network with satellite technology would play a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide. It would also ensure that reliable connectivity is available in rural areas, especially during emergencies when terrestrial networks may fail.

Abel Avellan, Chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile, also highlighted the significance of the achievement, noting that this accomplishment adds to a growing list of “firsts” in space-based broadband connectivity.

This includes the first-ever 5G call made using satellite technology, reinforcing the strong partnership between Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile in their race to revolutionize mobile connectivity.

Despite the triumphs, AST SpaceMobile faces stiff competition in the satellite sector, with notable rivals such as Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Lynk Global, both of whom are vying for dominance in the satellite communications industry.

As Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile push the boundaries of what’s possible with satellite connectivity, the future of mobile communication looks increasingly promising—especially for those in remote and underserved regions.

The partnership’s success could pave the way for more innovative solutions in the global race to ensure seamless, reliable connectivity for all.

Author: Evans Asare

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