Vodafone Makes History- First Video Call From Space Using Regular Smartphones- Know More About The Details News24 –

Imagine being able to video call anyone from anywhere, using the standard 4g and 5g network. This new feat has been the result of satellite technology that brings connectivity to areas with a lack of traditional reception using the satellite technology.

This new technology is quite unlike any other as it allows the user to use normal phones and harness the connectivity of a satellite to reach any area. The Technology would not require any satellite phones, external dishes, or special terminals. Thanks to the new technology the phone would be able to provide networks similar to that of the 4g and 5g networks with ease. Beyond that the new tech allows the phone to switch seamlessly between satellite and ground network based on the necessities.

Space Video Call

To showcase this new prowess that has been achieved by Vodafone they did a new space to land gateway successfully receiving a new land to space video call. The Video call was facilitated by AST space Mobile and Blue Birds Satellites. The call was placed by none other than Vodafone engineer Rowan Chesner from a area that has been renowned for its lack of broadband access.

How The New System Works

Operating from Low Earth Orbit the satellite extends the Vodafone’s land – based networks, making it only satellite broadband network directly connecting to multiple 4g and 5g smartphones. This new feature would allow the users to have robust connectivity in mountains, open seas and rural areas as well. At places where no other fixed service is available.

Vodafone has played a pivotal role in space – based connectivity trials. As per the reports Vodafone became a lead investor in the AST Space Mobile Program in 2019. Space Mobile’s five bluebird satellites that have been spread across the sky now are able to transmit data at speeds up to 120 MBPS directly to existing smartphones. Vodafone would conduct further testing in 2025, and gradually launch its direct to smartphone broadband satellite service across European markets later this year.

Similar Features in 18.3 Apple Update

Apple iOS 18.3 has been brought to the apple users with a bunch of new features as well as bug fixes. Apart from the mainstream features the company has also introduced a starlink connectivity feature. Apple had first introduced the satellite connectivity features in 2022, but the current iterations have further improved the functionality. As per recent news reports apple has supposedly worked with Space X and T mobile to bring start link satellite connectivity to the iPhone.

The Report added T-mobile has initiated the testing of the early version of the connectivity with a limited number of iphones. The development coincides with the release of iOS 18.3.

How Does The Connectivity Function

The connectivity would allow users to send text messages even when the internet connectivity might be erratic. As per the reports even when the T-mobile phones have no signal the devices would allow the starlink program, to connect to the space X satellites. Users can further enable texting through the use of satellite menu for Global star or contact emergency services of Apple. As of now such advanced connectivity would be available for texting only, but space X and T-mobile have been continually working to provide the add on data and voice-over services later.