Chinese Firm Spacesail Demos First D2C Voice Call with Standard Smartphones

Spacesail says that it has completed China’s first direct-to-cell satellite voice call using standard, unmodified commercial smartphones, marking a notable step in the country’s push toward integrated space-ground communications.

The Shanghai-based satellite internet outfit said the trial delivered a smooth and stable communication link, with voice quality comparable to terrestrial 5G. The test used Spacesail DTC 01, a direct-to-cell satellite recently launched aboard China’s Zhuque-2E rocket.

The trial is designed to validate key technologies for satellite-to-phone services, including direct connectivity with existing mobile devices and closer integration between satellite networks and 5G/6G infrastructure. Spacesail said its technology does not require hardware or software changes to standard smartphones, which is critical for broader commercial adoption.

The development comes as direct-to-device satellite services move beyond emergency messaging toward voice, data and more deeply integrated mobile coverage. For China, the milestone also supports wider ambitions to build domestic satellite communications capability and reduce dependence on foreign-operated systems.

Spacesail’s constellation had reached 200 satellites by early June, giving the company a growing platform to test and expand satellite broadband, direct-to-cell and integrated NTN services. The voice-call milestone positions it among the emerging players in the global race to connect ordinary mobile phones directly to satellites.