Vodafone Makes Historic First Space Mobile Video Call

LONDON - In a groundbreaking achievement, Vodafone engineer Rowan Chesmer has successfully made the world's first space mobile video call from a remote area in mid-Wales to Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group Chief Executive.

Chesmer, who joined Vodafone's graduate scheme in 2017, used the company's partnership with AST SpaceMobile and its BlueBird satellites to make the historic call. The success marks a significant milestone in Europe's push towards universal digital connectivity, with Vodafone aiming to offer the first commercial direct-to-smartphone broadband satellite service in Europe from later in 2025 and 2026.

The call was made using existing 4G and 5G smartphones, allowing multiple users in areas of no mobile coverage to make and receive video calls, access the internet, and use online messaging services. The technology is designed to offer a full mobile broadband experience without the need for expensive satellite phones or terminals, working seamlessly alongside Vodafone's terrestrial network.

Astronaut Tim Peake joined Margherita at Vodafone's new space-to-land gateway, which receives and channels all signals sent from a user's smartphone via the BlueBird satellites. The test marked another significant step forward in Europe's efforts to eliminate connectivity gaps and reach remote areas.

"This historic milestone marks another significance step forward in our partnership with Vodafone, a long-time investor in AST SpaceMobile," said Abel Avellan, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of AST SpaceMobile. "Together, we have achieved several world firsts in space-based broadband connectivity."

The technology has the potential to bring digital connectivity to vast stretches of the surrounding sea and provide reliable rural connectivity in emergency situations.

"Vodafone's job is to get everyone connected, no matter where they are," said Margherita Della Valle. "Our advanced European 5G network will now be complemented with cutting-edge satellite technology. We are bringing customers the best network and connecting people who have never had access to mobile communications before."

The rollout plans for the direct-to-smartphone broadband satellite service are expected to begin later this year, with further tests expected in Spring.

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• EU Takes Steps to Boost Digital Connectivity and Close Coverage Gaps
• AST SpaceMobile's Technology Set to Revolutionize Global Cellular Broadband Network

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