Samsung, according to rumors, could also bring the tech to its Galaxy S23 devices next year.
But how does satellite connection work in smartphones?
Read on to see if this is a must-have for you or just another unnecessary gimmick.
Is Satellite Connection on Phones Something New?
Satellite phones have been around for decades; we’ve coveredthe best satellite phonesin the past.
This kind of unit is limited, though.
Image Creddit:Bullit
Services are also expensive: it costs a lot to keep all those satellites in orbit.
Therefore, for the most part, satellite connection on phones isn’t something widely adopted.
How Satellite Connections Differ From Regular Cell Phone Coverage
The difference is quite simple, actually.
When the destination responds, the signal travels the other way around.
Latency on these networks is lower, though, and plans are less expensive.
Using Emergency SOS on an iPhonevia satellite services is meant for emergencies only.
Image Creddit:Bullit
They have a few preset messages, which are sent along with GPS coordinates, to rescue services.
It uses Globalstar’s satellites, which have a fairly limited coverage area.
Beta trials should start in 2023.
The companies plan something different for their service, though.
Also, the service will be free for most of current T-Mobile’s plan portfolio.
Last month, it announced a partnership with chipmaker MediaTek to launch a “satellite-to-mobile messaging smartphone”.
Pricing wasn’t detailed, but it should arrive in Q1 2023 and have free messages for a year.
Samsung is said to be working with satellite carrier Iridium to bring its connection to the Galaxy S23 line.
Iridium has 66, meaning stronger and wider coverage.
Thenext generation of Samsung Galaxy phones is expected to launchin February next year.
Apple sells tens of millions of iPhones each generation, and its 2022 offering already has this tech embedded.
Samsung, T-Mobile, and other big players joining the party means that’s just the beginning.
This bang out of connection is not meant for everyone, though.
If you do fit into the target audience, on the other hand, there are reasons to celebrate.
