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Qualcomm introduced its Snapdragon Satellite iplatform to support premium smartphones with two-way satellite messaging.
Qualcomm and Iridium have entered into an agreement to bring satellite-based connectivity to next-generation premium Android smartphones; Garmin looks forward to partnering with emergency messaging support. Apple recently launched something similar, allowing people in wilderness areas to call for emergency help via satellite links when they’re out of wireless range.
Snapdragon Satellite provides truly global coverage from pole to pole and supports two-way messaging for emergency use, text messaging and other messaging applications – for various purposes such as emergency or recreation in remote, rural and offshore locations.
This industry-leading solution also offers the ability to extend emergency and two-way satellite messaging from smartphones to other devices that require global messaging capabilities.
Qualcomm made the announcement this week at CES 2023, the major tech show in Las Vegas.
Snapdragon Satellite will provide global connectivity using mobile messaging from around the world, starting with devices based on the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform.
Powered by Snapdragon 5G Modem-RF systems and supported by the fully operational Iridium satellite constellation, Snapdragon Satellite will enable OEMs and other service providers to provide truly global coverage. The smartphone solution uses Iridium’s weatherproof L-band spectrum for uplink and downlink.
Emergency messaging on Snapdragon Satellite is expected to be available on next-generation smartphones, launching in select regions from the second half of 2023.
“Robust and reliable connectivity is at the heart of premium experiences. Snapdragon Satellite demonstrates our history of leadership in enabling global satellite communications and our ability to bring superior innovations to mobile devices at scale,” said Durga Malladi, senior vice president and general manager, cellular modems and infrastructure, Qualcomm Technologies. a statement. “This new addition to our Snapdragon platform, launching later this year with premium smartphones, strongly positions us to enable satellite communications capabilities and service offerings across multiple device categories.”
In addition to smartphones, Snapdragon Satellite can be extended to other devices, including laptops, tablets, vehicles and the Internet of Things. As the Snapdragon Satellite ecosystem grows, OEMs and app developers can differentiate and offer unique branded services by leveraging satellite connectivity. Snapdragon Satellite is planned to support 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) as NTN satellite infrastructure and constellations become available.
“Iridium is proud to be the satellite network supporting Snapdragon Satellite for premium smartphones,” said Matt Desch, CEO of Iridium, in a statement. “Our network is tailor-made for this service – our advanced LEO satellites cover every part of the world, supporting the lower power, low latency connections that are ideal for the satellite-powered services enabled by the industry-leading Snapdragon satellite. Millions of people depend on our connections every day and we look forward to many millions more connecting through smartphones powered by Snapdragon Satellite.”
Garmin also offered messages of support.
“Garmin welcomes the opportunity to extend our proven satellite emergency response services to millions of new smartphone users worldwide,” said Brad Trenkle, vice president of Garmin’s outdoor segment, in a statement. “Garmin Response supports thousands of SOS incidents each year and has likely saved many lives in the process, and we look forward to working with Qualcomm.
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