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Last year, Huawei introduced satellite connectivity on a mainstream smartphone, followed by Apple with the iPhone 14 series. This feature allows phones to connect to low-orbit satellites and send SOS messages even without cellular signal reception.

Google has made satellite communication compatible with Android 14, and there are rumors that Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi will integrate it into their devices through Qualcomm. It’s clear that satellite connectivity on phones could be the next big thing.

Traditionally, satellite phones required long antennas and connected to other phones or the telephone network via satellites orbiting the Earth. However, modern smartphones are implementing this technology without visible antennas. Currently, satellite connectivity on phones only allows for sending text messages, not making calls. It also requires specific hardware integration.

Satellite connectivity can be extremely useful in remote locations where cellular towers are out of reach. In emergency situations, it allows users to establish a connection even without a terrestrial network. There have been cases where satellite SOS technology has saved lives, such as a family using it to escape the Hawaii wildfires.

To support satellite connectivity, manufacturers need tightly integrated hardware and software. For example, Apple partnered with Globalstar and developed a compression algorithm to send emergency messages via satellite. Huawei’s Mate 50 phones can send texts and use navigation through China’s BeiDou satellite network.

More Android brands are expected to introduce satellite communication capabilities in their flagship phones. Qualcomm has unveiled Snapdragon Satellite technology in partnership with Iridium. Google is also working on bringing satellite connectivity to its Messages app. T-Mobile has partnered with SpaceX to provide satellite connectivity through Starlink satellites, and MediaTek has showcased chipsets enabling two-way satellite communication on smartphones.

Satellite connectivity on phones has the potential to have a significant impact on our lives, offering continuous and far-reaching connectivity, especially in life-threatening situations. It’s not just a luxury feature but a possible lifesaver.

The post Satellite Connectivity on Modern Phones: The Next Big Thing appeared first on ISP Today.