Samsung
Samsung develops two-way satellite connectivity for smartphones
Samsung has developed a technology that facilitates direct two-way communication between smartphones and satellites. The company plans to integrate this technology into its existing Exynos smartphone modem portfolio. The Galaxy S24 series may debut this satellite connectivity system next year, if not the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 foldables later this year.
Satellite connectivity in smartphones is a relatively new concept. Huawei and Apple introduced it with their flagships last year — Mate 50 Pro and iPhone 14 series, respectively. Samsung was expected to add the technology to the Galaxy S23 series but didn’t. The company’s head of mobile business TM Roh recently said that it is working on a satellite communication system for smartphones but didn’t share many details. A few weeks later, the Korean firm has now announced the technology.
According to Samsung, its 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN) modem technology will allow two-way sending and receiving of text messages, high-resolution photos, and videos over satellite. You won’t need a mobile cellular network connection for it. Samsung’s NTN modem will directly connect you to a low Earth orbiting (LEO) satellite for communication. The information is then relayed to the other party via a ground station, which connects to their nearest gNB (gNodeB) to transfer the message or file.
Samsung’s technology is more robust as compared to Apple’s and Huawei’s. They pretty much limit the system to emergency rescue requests with short text messages. The Korean firm sees the application of its technology in areas where terrestrial networks are not available, such as mountains, deserts, and the ocean.
Users could also use it to reach emergency services in disaster areas where cellular networks may be broken. In the future, we may also have flying cars with satellite connectivity.
Samsung may debut its satellite connectivity system with the Galaxy S24
Samsung didn’t tell when its satellite connectivity system for smartphones will be available to consumers. However, it says that the technology will be integrated into its future Exynos modems so smartphone makers won’t need a separate antenna for satellite communication.
This will accelerate the “commercialization of 5G satellite communications and pave the way for the 6G-driven Internet of Everything (IoE) era,” the company states. Samsung adds that its technology meets the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP Release 17) standard. This ensures interoperability with global services.
By the looks of it, we will see Samsung’s satellite communication technology debut in the Galaxy S24 series next year. As for the Galaxy S23 series, it appears the devices have missed out on satellite communication.
There were hopes that the feature may still arrive with a software update. But Samsung doesn’t seem to have equipped the phones with the necessary hardware. Its announcement post only mentions future Exynos modems.
