Vodafone Ireland and the Irish Government Test Satellite Technology to Keep Emergency Services Connected

Vodafone Ireland, in partnership with the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), has successfully tested satellite technology for emergency and public service organisations. 

This first-of-its-kind test in Europe demonstrates the potential of using integrated terrestrial networks and low Earth orbit (LEO) direct-to-device broadband satellite connectivity to maintain emergency communications during storms, power outages and in hard-to-reach areas.

Frontline responders 
 

The trial, part of an ongoing collaboration between Vodafone and the OGCIO on mission-critical communications (MCx), included a successful live test call on Clare Island, County Mayo, Ireland. Conducted in partnership with Satellite Connect Europe (the Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile joint venture company), the trial connected to AST SpaceMobile’s satellite constellation, showing how satellite connectivity on a standard smartphone could support voice and data services for frontline responders when traditional coverage is unavailable.

The satellite-enabled MCx call was made by representatives of Vodafone and OGCIO to David Lund, Coordinator of the European Union Critical Communications Service (EUCCS) in the UK. This marks a significant milestone for Ireland, as well as for the evolution of emergency communications across Europe.

Clare Island has played a central role in Vodafone Ireland’s satellite testing programme, including Ireland’s first mobile video call via satellite earlier this year. Its rugged terrain and specular cliffs attract walkers and wildlife enthusiasts making it an ideal real-world environment for testing technologies designed to support tourism, rural communities and critical national infrastructure.