# Satellite Video Calls Poised to Transform Communication in Europe
In a remarkable advancement for telecommunications, satellite video calls are poised to debut in Europe later this year, following a successful trial conducted by Vodafone in partnership with AST SpaceMobile. This cutting-edge technology aims to deliver video calling features to remote regions that lack cellular coverage, improving connectivity for users in difficult locations.
## The Advancement of Satellite Communication
Although satellite communication has been around for several years, mainly reliant on specialized equipment, recent progress has made it achievable through ordinary smartphones. Apple took the lead in this area with its **Emergency SOS via Satellite** feature, rolled out in 2022. This function enables users to contact emergency services in places without cellular service and has since broadened to include messaging options for friends and family.
Apple’s initial alliance with Globalstar has now transitioned, with the company also partnering with SpaceX and T-Mobile to incorporate Starlink satellite connectivity into its devices. This evolution signifies a rising trend towards leveraging satellite technology to improve mobile communication.
## Demonstrated Voice and Data Features
In 2023, AST SpaceMobile illustrated the capabilities of satellite technology by facilitating voice calls and mobile data access through smartphones. During a significant demonstration, engineers successfully completed a call from Maui, Hawaii, to a Vodafone engineer in Madrid, Spain, using AT&T spectrum and AST SpaceMobile’s BlueWalker 3 test satellite. This accomplishment not only underscored the viability of satellite-based voice communication but also established a new benchmark for space-based cellular broadband data, realizing download speeds of around 14 Mbps.
## The Milestone Satellite Video Call
The collaboration between Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile achieved a historic landmark: the world’s inaugural video call made from a standard smartphone via satellite. The call took place from a remote mountainous region in mid-Wales, where conventional mobile broadband services have never been accessible. Vodafone engineer Rowan Chesmer successfully connected with Margherita, showcasing satellite technology’s potential to close communication gaps in unserved areas.
Vodafone’s announcement reveals that the satellite video calling service is set to be launched throughout Europe later this year, with aspirations for complete coverage by the end of 2026. This service will enable multiple users in regions without mobile coverage to make and receive video calls, access the internet, and use online messaging platforms.
## Future Perspectives in the United States
While Vodafone spearheads the initiative in Europe, AT&T is also exploring comparable satellite services in the United States. Nevertheless, the rollout in the U.S. is anticipated to follow the European introduction. As both companies gear up for their respective launches, information regarding pricing and specific service plans remains undisclosed.
## Conclusion
The introduction of satellite video calls signifies a major advancement in telecommunications, especially for individuals in remote or underserved regions. As technology continues to progress, the capability to connect through video calls via satellite will not only enhance personal communication but also improve access to crucial services in isolated areas. The successful demonstration by Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile heralds a new chapter in connectivity, paving the way for a future where communication obstacles are increasingly removed.
