Vodafone made the first video call from space without a satellite phone and created history
Unlike traditional satellite service, this technology does not require a satellite phone, external dish, or any terminal. It provides mobile broadband similar to existing 4G and 5G networks. Vodafone has become the first company to make a video call from space. The special thing is that a regular smartphone has been used to make this call.

The first-ever video call in the entire world has been performed by Vodafone. Vodafone performed it with 4G and 5G smartphones. Vodafone is the first organization to have executed a space call in outer space.
The distinguishing fact is that a satellite connectivity-enabling phone hasn't been used for this video call, but it could have only been accomplished through a mere 5G smartphone.
In contrast to traditional satellite service, no satellite phone, external dish, or specific terminal is required with this technology. It works in a similar way to current 4G and 5G networks, with smartphones capable of switching between satellite and ground networks seamlessly.
The new Vodafone gateway in outer space conducted its first-ever satellite video call over a satellite via AST SpaceMobile's Bluebird satellite. Vodafone engineer Rowan Chesmer called Vodafone Group chief executive Margherita Della Valle from a hill in rural Mid-Wales, an area with no mobile broadband connectivity previously.
The success comes 40 years after Vodafone's first-ever UK mobile phone call, which happened on 1 January 1985. Direct-to-mobile satellite technology works in harmony with Vodafone's mobile and fiber networks, offering constant connectivity with no additional device or switching involved.
Vodafone became a major investor in AST SpaceMobile in 2019, playing a key role in space-based connectivity testing. AST SpaceMobile's five Bluebird satellites now provide maximum data transmission speeds of up to 120mbps directly to existing smartphones.
Speaking about this achievement, Margherita Della Valle, Chief Executive Officer of Vodafone Group, said, "After further testing in 2025, Vodafone aims to launch its 'direct-to-smartphone' broadband satellite service in European markets later this year and gradually in 2026."
Commenting on this achievement, Abel Avellan, Founder and CEO of AST SpaceMobile, said, "This achievement represents another important progress in our partnership with Vodafone.