Making a phone call via satellite using a regular smartphone? Vodafone claims to be the first telecom provider in the world to make this possible. The company recently even conducted a video call via satellite to test this innovative software. But how does it actually work—making calls via satellite with your smartphone? And what can we expect from this new technology in the future? In this blog, we’ll tell you all about it!
Vodafone's new sat2phone technology
Vodafone’s new technology for making calls via satellite using your smartphone has been dubbed “sat2phone” technology. This technology makes it possible to make voice or even video calls in locations where traditional network coverage is unavailable. You don’t need any special satellite phones, satellite dishes, or other equipment—just your smartphone and a Vodafone subscription. Users can seamlessly switch between satellite networks and terrestrial networks via a so-called space-to-land gateway. Vodafone describes the new technology as a “supplement to the existing 5G network” that also provides additional coverage in areas without fixed or mobile alternatives. Think, for example, of remote mountainous terrain or at sea.
Vodafone is testing video calls via satellite
To test their new technology, Vodafone had a technician from the British Vodafone Group make a video call with the company’s CEO from a windy hill in Wales, using a standard 5G phone and without network coverage. The call took place via AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites. This Texas-based company launched its first five satellites into space in December 2024. That same month, Vodafone signed a ten-year partnership agreement with the company. This new technology marks the first step in their renewed collaboration, as Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile have been working together on projects since 2019!
Can Vodafone customers now make video calls via satellite?
Does this mean that all Vodafone customers can start using this great new feature right away? No, unfortunately not yet, but it won’t be too long. Vodafone hopes to launch the sat2phone service for consumers as early as the second half of 2025. By 2026, the company aims to provide coverage for its innovative service throughout Europe. So, in a year’s time, it’s quite possible that anyone with a Vodafone subscription will be able to make calls via satellite using their smartphone.
Will you be using this new service?