Qualcomm to Bring Satellite Connectivity to Android Smartphones

Qualcomm today announced plans to bring satellite-based connectivity to next-generation Android smartphones, giving smartphone manufacturers like Samsung and Google a way to compete with the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature that Apple rolled out alongside the iPhone 14 models.

qualcomm snapdragon gen 2
Snapdragon Satellite is a two-way satellite-based messaging solution provided through satellite company Iridium. Qualcomm says support for messaging using satellite connectivity will be built into the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform, with smartphones that use the technology set to come out starting in the second half of 2023.

Qualcomm says that the Snapdragon Satellite functionality will be used for emergency messages to begin with, similar to Apple's Emergency SOS via Satellite feature that is made available through a partnership with Globalstar. Qualcomm also mentions SMS texting and connectivity in remote, rural, and offshore locations as possible use cases for Snapdragon Satellite, suggesting that it may not be limited to use in emergencies in the future.

While Snapdragon Satellite will launch first in smartphones, Qualcomm says that it can also be used for laptops, tablets, vehicles, and IoT devices, with OEMs and app developers able to differentiate and offer unique branded services that use satellite connectivity.

Snapdragon Satellite will use the Iridium satellite constellation, which uses L-band spectrum that Iridium says is "more resilient to weather" than frequencies used by other networks. Android smartphones that adopt Snapdragon Satellite will still need a clear view of the sky to function, and messages can be sent in as little as 10 seconds with a solid connection.

In addition to working with Iridium, Qualcomm also plans to partner with Garmin to provide emergency response services for users. There is no word yet on how Iridium, Qualcomm, and Android smartphone makers plan to charge customers for satellite access.

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Top Rated Comments

Htsi Avatar
32 months ago

Won't work half as well. Apple's invested a ton into Globalstar to buy them new satellites and ensure reliability, while Iridium's got a decayed ground network that Qualcomm isn't going to be helping to boost.

Another gimmick from a pathetic company that needed to be hammered into the ground years ago.
Half a loaf better than none. Won’t affect people who use iPhones. No point being negative.
Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)
c172fccc Avatar
32 months ago
Good. Satellite connectivity can be a lifesaver. The more smartphones with that feature, the better.
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gordonfreeman5500 Avatar
32 months ago
Isn't it Qualcomm that made it possible on the iPhone? Their X65 modem allows for communication on band n53, which is shared by Globalstar's satellites.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Corsig Avatar
32 months ago
Will they mock apple first about it before copying?
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
32 months ago
Apple introduced this technology on iPhones first.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Htsi Avatar
32 months ago
Excellent progress. Capitalism is a good motivator
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)