Wed, 29 Jan 2025

UK's first smartphone video call via satellite made from Welsh mountain

Vodafone says the tech could lead to the elimination of "not spots", which cover an estimated 9% of the UK.
Vodafone has made what it claims is the UK's first satellite-enabled smartphone video call, as part of its plans to add satellite connectivity to its phone network by 2026. The company says this technology could eliminate "not spots" - areas without mobile signal, which affect around 9% of the UK. However, experts warn that regulatory hurdles and a larger number of satellites are needed for the service to be successful. Vodafone has partnered with satellite company AST SpaceMobile, but currently only has a limited number of satellites in orbit, making it challenging to maintain consistent coverage. Analysts say the issue of regulation also needs to be resolved, which could affect rival providers like Starlink. The increasing number of satellites in low Earth orbit has raised concerns among astronomers, who fear that they are contaminating astronomical images and obscuring our view of the universe. However, astronaut Tim Peak says there is "plenty of room" in space for more satellites. Vodafone's boss, Margherita Della Valle, claims this technology could bring universal connectivity to people everywhere. She says the satellites will not replace existing masts and towers but provide an additional layer of coverage. The company does not yet know what costs will be for customers or when the service will become available.
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