AST Spacemobile performed a video call through the space between conventional smartphones

AST SpaceBile satellite provider and Vodafone mobile operator from the UK reported a successful video call between two unmodified smartphones using satellite communications. In 2023, AST carried out the first call in history between ordinary smartphones through the satellite, as well as the first such call through 5G.

Image source: AST SpaceMobile

The video call was made by the Vodafone employee, which is outside the cellular access zone, the Vodafone Group CEO, through the recently launched orbit, a cluster of five Bluebird AST satellites weighing 1,500 kg each. Although the video was a little granular, the satellites were able to successfully transfer the data in real time, the PCMAG resource reports. Vodafone and AST did not reveal the technical details of the test, for example, the exact speed of a satellite Internet connection.

AST is somewhat lagging behind its main competitor, the SpaceX Starlink service. The latter has already launched about 400 satellites with support for Direct-to-Cell technology for direct connection of ordinary smartphones, and began large-scale service testing. AST company has yet to launch dozens of satellites before it can offer a full -fledged coverage for users.

AST will also be necessary to receive the full approval of the US Federal Commission (FCC) for commercial operation of satellite communication with phones in the country. So far, AST has only a temporary license for testing in the United States with the AT&T and with Vodafone operator in Turkey and the UK.

At the same time, testing showed that Bluebird satellites are able to provide video calls. AST also demonstrated this opportunity with an earlier prototype of the Bluewalker 3 satellite, launched back in 2023. Vodafone said that after conducting further tests this spring, it would begin to gradually display the service of satellite broadband communications with a direct connection to smartphones in the European market at the end of this year and for the next, to close the last remaining gaps in the coating.

It is still unclear when AST starts beta testing of satellite communications in the USA with AT&T and its other Verizon partner. According to the company, Bluebird satellites are able to provide data transfer speed up to 120 Mbps.