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. 

Jio Adds SpaceFiber to Deliver Gigabits in Remote Areas, Partner SES in Trouble with O3b mPower Fleet

It's time to grace SATCOM as it goes masses. Country's largest telecom player Reliance Jio and Luxembourg-based satellite communications company SES backed 'Jio Space Technology Limited' (51:49) had demonstrated capabilities of JioSpaceFiber services at Mobile Congress India's conference on 27th October, 2023. Jio Satellite was formed in February 2022. 

As of now only Bharti backed OneWeb & Jio Space Technology holds the global mobile personal communications. 

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.

Indian Telecom - End of 2021 Update

T​​hough Indian telecom sector is having a lackluster show for last few years, but some zeal hopefully returning to the tel-tech sector in next 12-18 months. More excitement comes with government's new plans with telecom including 100% FDI in telecom and relief packages for telecom service providers. 

Broadband Scene to be Changed: Wired vs Wireless (4G/5G) vs Satellite Internet, Airtel's OneWeb vs Jio 5G, OneWeb vs Starlink

Though India's broadband scenario is not comparable with global counterpart, the scene can see lots of improvement. Wired vs Wireless debate is going to over soon, as satnet is coming to India at affordable (not cheap) price.

Jio in a Hurry to Launch 5G in India - Threat from Satellite Internet?

Country's largest mobile operator Jio is planning to roll out 5G commercially in the second half of 2021, as Mukesh Ambani asked the government to make a policy ready for 5G in the event of India Mobile Congress 2020. But at the same time Sunil Mittal, the chairperson of Airtel, the 2nd largest mobile operator put forth his concerns with underdeveloped 5G ecosystem and exorbitant cost of 5G airwaves as set by GoI. Airtel will not spend money on 5G right now, though they will continue working with their technology and innovation partners for 5G. 

Jio, with tons of cash flow from recent investments across the globe is in a better financial shape and they can't wait to get their hands on 5G airwaves to be the pioneer of 5G in the country.