US chip designer Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM) and global satellite communications company Iridium have entered into an agreement to bring satellite-based connectivity to next-generation premium Android smartphones.
At CES 2023, Qualcomm unveiled its Snapdragon Satellite technology - the world’s first satellite-based two-way capable messaging solution for smartphones.
Connected through Iridium’s satellite network, Snapdragon Satellite assures mobile messaging connectivity despite geographical or carrier-based limitations.
This means that in places with no coverage, mobile devices can connect with passing satellites to send and receive messages.
Kicking off with emergency messaging, the new feature will be available on Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform, set to be launched in select regions in the second half of this year.
Looking ahead, this feature will also expand beyond smartphones to other devices including laptops, tablets, vehicles and IoT.
Groundbreaking news: we've announced @Snapdragon Satellite, the first satellite-based messaging solution for @Android devices. You don’t have to choose between staying in touch and going off grid. Go far—and stay close! Thanks, @chrisvelazco for the piece. https://t.co/69SN21Kn2y— Cristiano R. Amon (@cristianoamon) January 7, 2023
“Enabling global satellite communications”
Qualcomm senior vice president and general manager Durga Malladi said: “Robust and reliable connectivity is at the heart of premium experiences.
“Snapdragon Satellite showcases our history of leadership in enabling global satellite communications and our ability to bring superior innovations to mobile devices at scale.
“Kicking off in premium smartphones later this year, this new addition to our Snapdragon platform strongly positions us to enable satellite communication capabilities and service offerings across multiple device categories.”
Who else has this feature?
Iridium is the original satellite phone service sending its first satellite into orbit as early as 1997.
Iridium CEO Matt Desch said: “Our network is tailored for this service – our advanced, LEO satellites cover every part of the globe and support the lower-power, low-latency connections ideal for the satellite-powered services enabled by the industry-leading Snapdragon Satellite.
“Millions depend on our connections every day and we look forward to the many millions more connecting through smartphones powered by Snapdragon Satellite.”
British smartphone maker Bullitt was the first to launch its satellite service on smartphones, beating Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) to the position.
Subsequently, Apple launched a satellite feature for the iPhone 14 in September 2022.
With iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models, you can use Emergency SOS via satellite to text emergency services when you're out of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.
#BIGNEWS – Iridium and @Qualcomm have entered into an agreement to enable satellite messaging and emergency services in smartphones.????????????️: https://t.co/sBzGAxHlQk
The service is expected to debut in premium Android smartphones in 2H 2023. pic.twitter.com/HrqNcosoN7
— Iridium (@IridiumComm) January 6, 2023