The race for satellite phone networks has well and truly begun. In the United States, Starlink has launched hostilities, with a beta test among T-Mobile customers, a partner of the SpaceX subsidiary. iPhone users can also participate thanks to a discreet update to iOS 18.3. Europe is late, but not that much after all: in the United Kingdom, Vodafone has made a first video call via satellite using an unmodified 4G/5G smartphone.
Vodafone hot on Starlink’s heels
The call was made by Rowan Chesmer, a Vodafone engineer, from a remote corner of Wales without cellular coverage. He was able to correspond by video with Margherita Della Valle, the operator’s CEO. Vodafone is relying on AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird satellite network.
AST SpaceMobile is an American company that began launching its first commercial satellites last September in low orbit (5 in total), and plans to deploy 243 BlueBird satellites to ensure global coverage. The company presents its service as the only one in the world capable of providing mobile broadband access to 4G and 5G smartphones.
For its part, Starlink's service currently only allows text message exchanges, but data and video call support are planned (a test has already taken place). As for Vodafone, the launch of a commercial offer is planned for the end of 2025 or 2026, without knowing the price.
Starlink does not intend to stop at the American borders: its satellite telephone service is already active in New Zealand, and Europe will not be forgotten (the Swiss operator Salt is a partner). AST SpaceMobile also intends to tackle other markets, particularly the United States.
Source: Vodafone
0 Comments