Orbital THE SPACE RACE TO CONNECT 2023 PHONES WITH SATELLITES

Satellite-based communications technology is making its way to our phones, and it’s not just for emergency messaging.

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This new tech is expanding to standard messengers and making calls viable, ushering in an era of ground-to-orbit connectivity and unlocking endless possibilities.

QUALCOMM’S SATELLITE CHIP IS ON APPROACH

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. has partnered with Iridium to introduce Snapdragon Satellite, the world’s first satellite-based two-way messaging solution for premium smartphones. Snapdragon Satellite will offer global mobile messaging coverage, starting with devices based on the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform. Powered by Snapdragon 5G Modem-RF Systems and Iridium’s weather-resilient L-band spectrum for uplink and downlink, Snapdragon Satellite will provide OEMs and other service providers with truly global coverage for emergency and two-way messaging. The solution will be available on next-generation smartphones, with support for emergency messaging in select regions launching in the second half of 2023. Speaking of the news, the company’s senior vice president and general manager, cellular modems and infrastructure, 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.”