Vodafone claims to have conducted the world's first satellite video call using standard smartphones, in collaboration with AST SpaceMobile. The demonstration took place in a remote area of Wales lacking any prior mobile coverage. This initiative aims to provide 4G and 5G mobile broadband services via AST SpaceMobile's satellites. Although Vodafone's call quality had some lag and choppiness, it demonstrated the potential of connecting smartphones directly to satellites, with plans to launch the service fully in Europe by the end of 2025.
Vodafone's effort may not quite be a world-first, though unlike SpaceX it's made the call from a remote area that apparently has no existing cell service.
Vodafone's demonstration featured a video call from an unnamed remote mountain region of Wales, claiming the area has never had mobile coverage before.
The video quality of the call was not perfect, with noticeable lag, but it remained stable throughout the 45-second duration.
Vodafone has partnered with AST SpaceMobile to launch a satellite service designed to provide mobile broadband to 4G and 5G phones without special hardware.
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