Qualcomm Technologies unveiled Snapdragon Satellite at CES 2023, the world’s first satellite-based two-way messaging solution for premium smartphones. Snapdragon Satellite will connect people all over the world through mobile messaging, starting with devices based on the top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform.
The new technology, which will be powered by Snapdragon 5G Modem-RF Systems and supported by the fully operational Iridium® satellite constellation, will enable OEMs and other service providers to deliver truly worldwide coverage. Iridium’s weather-resistant L-band spectrum is utilized for both uplink and downlink by the smartphone solution.
Key Takeaways
- Qualcomm and Iridium will deliver satellite-based connectivity to next-generation premium Android phones, and Garmin will support emergency communications.
- Snapdragon® Satellite offers completely worldwide coverage from pole to pole and can enable two-way emergency messaging, SMS texting, and other messaging applications in remote, rural, and offshore areas.
- As NTN satellite infrastructure and constellations become available, Snapdragon Satellite will support 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN).
- This solution allows emergency and two-way satellite communications on devices other than smartphones.
Availability
The next generation of smartphones, which will start coming out in certain areas in the second half of 2023, will be able to send and receive emergency messages through Snapdragon Satellite. For more information on Snapdragon Satellite, please visit here.
Speaking on the announcement, Durga Malladi, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Cellular Modems and Infrastructure, Qualcomm Technologies, 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.
Announcing the partnership, Matt Desch, CEO, Iridium, said,
Iridium is proud to be the satellite network that supports Snapdragon Satellite for premium smartphones. 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.
Speaking at the solution, Brad Trenkle, Vice President of Garmin’s Outdoor Segment, said,
Garmin welcomes the opportunity to expand our proven satellite emergency response services to millions of new smartphone users globally. Garmin Response supports thousands of SOS incidents each year and has likely saved many lives in the process, and we are looking forward to collaborating with Qualcomm Technologies and Iridium to help people connect to emergency services no matter where life takes them.