Vodafone has made what it calls “the world’s first” satellite video call using a standard smartphone, in a test of a system it says will provide mobile broadband service to 4G and 5G phones without dedicated satellite hardware. The service, using satellites from SpaceX rival AST SpaceMobile, is expected to launch in Europe before the end of 2025.

In accordance with to Vodafone, it is the only satellite technology of its kind designed to provide a full mobile broadband experience.

Vodafone Group and partner AST SpaceMobile asserted they had got a jump on rivals in the space connectivity race after conducting what they stated is the world’s first video call using a smartphone and satellites in an area with no mobile coverage.

Vodafone said it had made the world's first video call via satellite using a standard smartphone from a remote location, and it plans to roll out the technology for its users across Europe later this year and in 2026.

Vodafone has said it has made the world's first video call satellite via using standard smartphone from a remote location. The service provider plans to roll out technology for its users across Europe later this year and in 2026,