Satellite communications on smart phones
Remote travellers should soon be able to access satellite communication on a suitably equipped smartphone.
Iridium Communications, based in the USA, has announced a partnership with Qualcomm Technologies to enable satellite messaging and emergency services on the new Snapdragon mobile platform. The platform is standard on most Android smartphones, and the application should be available worldwide in late 2023 on new phones.
Communicating on a smartphone is a game changer for Australian caravanners. The Telstra system is the go-to service provider for most of us, but it has its failings even in rugged terrain not far from major cities. Satellite phones are a great backup, and they are very reliable. Still, they require a separate phone or an add-on like Iridium Go.
The new Android phones will be smartphones' first satellite-based two-way capable messaging and SOS services. Unfortunately, there has not been any news about enabling similar connectivity on Apple devices.
Iridium claims to operate the only global, weather-resistant satellite constellation with its low earth orbiting satellites. The array comprises 66 satellites and nine spares. In addition, Snapdragon Satellite-equipped smartphones will be capable of accessing global coverage, sending emergency messages and texting with friends and family from anywhere on the planet with a view of the open sky.
Iridium has invested US$3 billion into its satellite network to handle additional traffic from the expanded service.
The system was unveiled in a live demonstration to journalists on 4 January at a desert location outside Las Vegas. It is already being integrated into new premium smartphones with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Still, the application is yet to be operational at a consumer level.
The system is more sophisticated than Apple’s emergency SOS service that can send a GPS and emergency signal in six countries via Globalstar satellites on an iPhone4. Apple's system is said to be patchy and depends on a limited number of satellites. However, Apple's network has been praised in the rescue of two adults who crashed their car into a remote ravine in the Angeles National Forest in California.
Speaking at the launch, Qualcomm CEO, Cristiano Amon, announced the service was for everyone, not just for emergency responses. “No matter where you are, you can send and receive messages and stay connected.”
Expect similar services from the likes of SpaceX and AST Space Mobile, but in the meantime, the Qualcomm chip is the only one integrated seamlessly into a smartphone. While only available initially in premium phones, Qualcomm plans to include the capability into cheaper versions somewhere down the track. Older phones can't be upgraded to satellite capability.
Pricing has yet to be announced, but it should be noted that the Apple service is free in the limited area in which it operates. The more comprehensive capability for texting through space might be a year or so out for Australia and will likely debut on Samsung's Galaxy S23. Global smartphone sales have reached over one billion; the last major upgrade was 5G. Local users might like to hold off on a new purchase as the technology takes hold. Watch this space.
We approached Telstra to see where they were up to with the new opportunities, but they have yet to announce a strategy.