Vodafone claims to have conducted the UK's inaugural satellite-enabled smartphone video call, originating from a mountain in Ceredigion, west Wales. This milestone is part of Vodafone's plan to integrate satellite connectivity into its UK network by year-end, extending across Europe by 2026.

Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone's CEO, emphasises that this advancement could eradicate mobile signal "not spots" across the UK, which currently affect around 9% of the country, according to Ofcom. However, industry experts caution that regulatory challenges must be addressed and more satellites launched for the service to reach its full potential.

Satellite connectivity allows regular smartphones to function normally with full internet access in areas without conventional coverage. While emergency satellite connectivity via text messages is already available on many iPhones and Android devices, Vodafone has now achieved a significant leap with a live video call between an engineer in a Welsh not spot and Ms. Della Valle.

Ms. Della Valle likened the satellites to "antennas in the sky," clarifying that they will complement rather than replace existing infrastructure. Vodafone's partnership with AST SpaceMobile facilitated this feat, though challenges remain in expanding satellite coverage consistently.

The proliferation of low Earth orbit satellites for mobile communication has sparked concern among astronomers, who warn of potential interference with astronomical observations due to their brightness and transmission of radio signals and infrared light. Despite these concerns, astronaut Tim Peake, present during Vodafone's demonstration, asserts that there's ample space in orbit for more satellites, stressing the importance of responsible management and regulation to safeguard both space and Earth-based interests.

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