Vodafone Group has unveiled a new satellite connectivity service designed to eliminate coverage blackspots across its footprint.
As part of a demonstration ahead of its commercial launch, the operator conducted what it claimed to be the first space-based video call between standard 4G/5G smartphones.
Vodafone engineer Rowan Chesmer placed the call from a remote location in Wales, using AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird LEO satellites to connect with Vodafone Group CEO Margherita Della Valle. Both were using Google Pixel 9 Pro smartphones.
Vodafone aims to be the first operator to offer a commercial direct-to-broadband satellite service, with an initial launch in Europe in 2025 and further coverage expansion across the continent in 2026.
Della Valle said: “This will help to close the digital divide, supporting people from all corners of Europe to keep in touch with family and friends, or work, as well as ensuring reliable rural connectivity in an emergency.”
AST SpaceMobile founder, chairman, and CEO Abel Avellan added: “This latest achievement using our BlueBird satellites takes us one step closer to our mission to eliminate connectivity gaps and make cellular broadband accessible to all.”
Developing Telecoms enquired about potential deployments in Vodafone’s developing markets but received no further details.
Vodafone operates in several emerging markets where coverage gaps remain due to the high cost of infrastructure deployment. Given the revenue potential from unconnected users, it could be argued that accelerating this technology in Africa should be a priority.
According to the GSMA, around 680 million people in Africa remain unconnected, with Sub-Saharan Africa experiencing the largest usage gap.
Source: Manny Pham (Developing Telecoms)
