Qualcomm has developed a new satellite communication technology called Snapdragon Satellite that competes with companies like Apple and Huawei. The technology has been integrated into smartphones without anyone noticing.

How does Snapdragon Satellite work? Which phones will get Snapdragon Satellite?”

Qualcomm has partnered with Virginia-based Iridium Communications, which operates a network of 66 satellites, to create a new orbiting network. This network offers more coverage than its competitor, Globalstar, and has the advantage of being usable in more regions around the world.

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip is already compatible with satellite connectivity, but it is not yet available to the public. However, if you have a phone that uses this processor, it will likely support satellite connectivity in the near future.

Qualcomm’s latest technology, the Snapdragon X70 5G modem, supports new ultra-high frequency bands, allowing phones to communicate directly with low-orbit satellites in the sky. These satellites provide broader coverage than typical ground-based base stations.

Unlike Apple’s satellite connectivity feature, which only works above a certain latitude, Qualcomm’s coverage area boasts almost global coverage, although it will initially only be available in North America and Europe.

Since most Android smartphones already use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon family, this feature will be available to a wider audience than Apple’s iPhones. Moreover, it is expected to be available on all 5G-compatible Qualcomm chipsets in the future, including Snapdragon 4 series processors.

Like other satellite connectivity options for smartphones, Snapdragon Satellite Connectivity is designed for scenarios where cellular data and Wi-Fi coverage are lost. In short, it will kick in when your phone has no signal.

However, it is worth noting that satellite connectivity is still expensive and slow in 2023, so it is not yet being used for everything. According to Qualcomm, the technology will first support emergency text messages, followed by SMS-like regular messaging, with a limit of 140 bytes per message.

While this may seem restrictive, it is still better than Apple’s current solution, which only works for emergency SOS messages. “What do you think about this? Don’t forget to share your opinions with us in the comments!