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Snapdragon Satellite Technology Of Qualcomm: Chip-maker Qualcomm Qualcomm announced Snapdragon Satellite – a satellite-based two-way capable messaging solution for premium smartphones at Consumer Electronic Show (CES) 2023.
What is Satellite Communication?
It means that in places where there is no mobile coverage, handsets can connect with passing satellites to send and receive messages. As the service is currently only available for sending and receiving basic text messages in an emergency.
Context
- Chip Maker Qualcomm announced its satellite-based two-way communication system that will make its debut on premium smartphones that will arrive in the second half of 2023.
- Qualcomm partnered with Iridium Satellite Communications, which operates a 66-strong Low Earth orbit satellite constellation.
Satellite Broadband Services in India
Know About Iridium
- Iridium is the original satellite phone system, sending its first satellite in to orbit in 1997.
- It completed a refresh of its network of 75 spacecraft in 2019.
- The satellites cover the entire globe and fly in low orbit, around 485 miles (780km) above the Earth, and groups of them can communicate with each other, passing data between them.
| Did You Know? British smartphone maker Bullitt was the first to launch its own satellite service, beating Apple to the post. It is also for emergency use, and will be available in selected areas when first rolled out. |
Know About Qualcomm
- Qualcomm is a multinational corporation known for designing and manufacturing semiconductors and wireless telecommunications products.
- Qualcomm (QCOM) is known for designing and manufacturing wireless telecommunications products.
- The company was founded in 1985 by seven people.
- Headquartered in San Diego, it has approximately 45,000 employees in 170 offices in more than 30 different countries.
- Qualcomm’s chips are found in many Android-powered smartphones.
What Is Snapdragon Satellite?
- Snapdragon Satellite will offer global coverage from pole to pole and can support two-way messaging for emergency use, SMS texting, and other messaging applications — for a variety of purposes such as emergencies or recreation in remote, rural and offshore locations.
- The Snapdragon satellite can expand support to devices including laptops, tablets, vehicles, and IoT. The satellite is planned to support 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) as NTN satellite infrastructure and constellations become available.
- Powered by the Snapdragon 5G modem-RF systems the system is supported by the Iridium satellite constellation, which uses weather-resilient L-band spectrum for uplink and downlink.
Is The World Planning For Satellite Communication?
- Although it’s still early days for satellite service, that doesn’t mean companies aren’t planning for it.
- Apple announced a satellite feature for the iPhone 14 in September 2022.
- According to many credible sources, Google is designing the next version of Android for satellites.
- In addition, there are rumors that Samsung’s Galaxy S23 series could offer support for satellite communication with the support of Iridium Communications.
- However, it’s unclear at this point whether it will have its own service or will rely on Snapdragon Satellite.
How Successful Is Satellite Connectivity for Mobile Phones?
- Satellite connectivity is broadly considered to be the next frontier for mobile phones because it tackles the problem of “not-spots” – areas where there is no existing coverage.
- These tend to be more common in rural or remote places.
- It has already been successfully deployed to provide broadband coverage by services such as Elon Musk’s Starlink.
Did India Allow satellite phones?
Use of the the feature will be subject to local government regulations, as countries including India and China ban the use of satellite phones.
