Vodafone Makes First Space Video Call using AST SpaceMobile's LEO Satellites, Satcom in India

Though its Indian venture, Vi is struggling to roll out 5G services across the country, UK-based multinational telecom company Vodafone has achieved something extra-ordinary -  On 29th of January, 2025 Vodafone has successfully made the world’s first space video call using normal 4G/5G smartphones and satellites that will allow multiple users in areas of no mobile coverage to make and receive video calls, access the Internet and use online messaging services.

Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group-CEO & Astronaut Tim Peake

The space-partner of Vodafone remains the same AST SpaceMobile in which Vodafone invested in 2020 and since then both working closely. In December 2024 both entered into a definitive long-term commercial agreement through 2034 - which is a significant step forward in their collaboration to expand broadband connectivity globally. 

5G-NTN : New Dimension of Satellite Communications

Starlink's satellites 

5G space is getting excited by another new domain - that's 5G NTN (Non Terrestrial Network). The basic idea of 5G NTN is to deliver 5G/NR service via satellite or other airborne platform (like Google Balloons or Project Loon). 

Earlier I wrote regarding the competition between 5G and satellite broadband will be inevitable. But they can synergize to create an efficient and much-desired fusion of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks to bring internet connectivity in the country as well as globally. 

5G-NR is known for the enhanced speed, higher network capacity, lower latency, improved reliability and coverage. With 5G-NR there are new and innovative uses with IoT - like smart cities,  remote industrial automation, artificial intelligence and augmented reality, revolutionizing industries, and empowering novel applications.