The brand-new approach is known as Snapdragon Satellite. It supports two-way communication while travel, in rural areas without cellular network service, in emergency circumstances, and in other situations. It will be feasible to send and receive text messages from anyplace in the planet since we’re talking about using the Iridium system to exchange communications. The use of an L-band frequency that can withstand the elements is mentioned for both the uplink and downlink.
A new agreement between chipmaker Qualcomm and satellite phone provider Iridium will enable premium Android handsets with satellite connectivity to be made available later this year, according to a BBC story. It implies that mobile devices can send and receive messages in places without cellular coverage by corresponding with passing satellites.
Millions of extra smartphone users will have access to the same service thanks to the new partnership, which frees them from brand loyalty, but it will be up to the manufacturer to make it available.
Qualcomm also mentions SMS texting and connectivity in remote, rural, and offshore locations as potential use cases for Snapdragon Satellite, implying that it may be used for more than just emergencies in the future.
Snapdragon Satellite will use the Iridium satellite constellation, which uses L-band spectrum that Iridium claims is “more weather resilient” than other networks’ frequencies. Snapdragon Satellite-enabled Android smartphones still require a clear sky to function, but with a strong connection, messages can be sent in as little as 10 seconds.
What advantages will it provide to consumers?
There are already bulky satellite phones with radio transceivers on the market, which are typically used for defending testing operations, military, aviation, and ship operators on oceans and seas to receive emergency help responses. However, they are bulky and, as previously stated, are only available to people in certain occupations.
Soon, upcoming premium phones will be able to communicate with LEO satellites. This will be especially useful in emergency situations while hiking in hilly areas with limited cellular coverage.
People with satellite connectivity on their phones will be able to summon an emergency response team faster than ever before in the near future. Yes, this feature will be limited in scope and will only be available in dead zones (zero cellular connectivity range).
Android Smartphone’s Satellite Connection Will Be Much Stronger than IPhone’s!
Unlike Apple, which went with Global sat, Qualcomm went with American Iridium, another satellite specialist. Who is without a doubt the industry’s heavy weight. Mountaineers, philanthropists, explorers, journalists covering military conflicts, and government officials are all likely to own a satellite phone. Because of this network’s strongest point: its global reach, it is frequently an Iridium-based device.
As soon as a patch of sky is available, a device suitable with the Iridium network can successfully send and receive messages from North Pole to Point Nemo in the Pacific Ocean – bidirectionality that will also be on the agenda with smartphones. That is not the case with the Global SAT network.Iridium is a satellite constellation that allows for inter-satellite communication. Global sat, on the other hand, is reliant on ground relays (there are several dozen on the earth).
Furthermore, Iridium has more satellites orbiting at lower altitudes than Global star (66 + 9 backup vs. 24). Making communication easier even in the deep inner valleys or gorges, where Global sat will face significant challenges. This, however, does not rule out Apple’s proposal. Whose service is already suitable for sporadic use in the Atacama Desert. Finally, suppose the service were to be established in Chile. However, the most daring explorers will always choose Iridium over Global sat. The good news is that premium Android phones and tablets ought to work flawlessly with satellite connections this year. It is fantastic for everyone who intends to buy one. But it is constrained by both technological and legal restrictions. Francesco Grilli claims that the gadget has to make use of our most latest RF antennas in order to access the service. If an organization chooses a different service provider, this won’t be possible. since these antennas are necessary for the X70 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 modem. Despite being rare, brands occasionally decide not to buy the full tech stack. due to the absence of technical information on the type of RF antenna utilised. Simply validating the facts will be difficult!
