Since Apple launched its new phones in Spain last year, the iPhone 14 , there has been talk about the arrival of satellite communications on Android devices. And it is that the iPhone 14 released a very useful function that allows satellite communications to be carried out, for example, for users to send distress messages in inhospitable places. Qualcomm already has its answer: Qualcomm Snapdragon Satellite, a function that allows precisely this.

This feature will be embedded in the next-generation processor powering Android phones in 2023, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 on the X70 modem. Yes, the same one that is responsible for 5G technology, and it makes all the sense in the world, since Snapdragon Satellite is based on this connectivity technology, using the weather-resistant L-band spectrum to make these connections.

The novelty will be able to run on the Iridium satellite network, a constellation of 66 devices that is precisely used for communications and that was designed by Motorola. Iridium’s idea is to provide so-called ‘Mobile Satellite Services’ (SSM) with global coverage, to provide data and voice communication to portable devices in areas without access to coverage of traditional communication systems.

The answer to Apple

With the launch of the iPhone 14, Apple launched the ‘SOS Emergency’ function via satellite. In essence, it allows the user to connect with emergency services through satellite communications when unable to connect to WiFi coverage and data services.

Once connected to the satellite in question (with the appropriate environmental conditions) you will be able to send an emergency message, as well as share information such as your location with emergency contacts. For this you will need, yes or yes, an iPhone 14; the service will not be available for lower models.

To do this, those from Cupertino have joined the Globalstar Network, also dedicated to satellite telephony and two-way communication, which has signed a contract with the company with a financing of 450 million so that it can be extended and that Apple can use said function. in more countries. At the moment, it is only available in some areas of the world, including countries such as the United States, France, Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom or Ireland.

The system will be practically identical to Apple’s. The user will be able to connect to a satellite via Snapdragon Satellite on their Android smartphone in wastelands where WiFi or mobile connectivity is not available. Thus, a message can be sent to the emergency services, with precise instructions to detect the nearest satellites.

The American company has not only assured that they plan to extend this novelty beyond contact with emergency services so that it can be used as an additional communication system along with WiFi or data. On the other hand, even sticking to the aspect purely related to emergencies, Qualcomm explains that the phone will be able to know the routes of the Iridium satellites weeks in advance , which will make the connection much more reliable.

However, one of the most important differences of the Snapdragon Satellite applies to its expansion potential. And it is that Qualcomm warns that this will not be limited to Android phones, but can be expanded to laptops, tablets and even vehicles and IoT devices. This would position it in a higher echelon than Qualcomm’s alternative, since Apple’s is currently limited to its devices.

To this are added other details, such as that this system will support NTN 5G non-terrestrial networks, “as the infrastructure and NTN satellite constellations become available.” Qualcomm boasts that Iridium’s LEO satellites can provide global coverage, supporting low-latency, low-power connections to deliver these services.

Of course, for the moment Qualcomm has not gone into details about whether there will be costs related to the service. Apple currently offers it for free, but in the future it will have an additional cost.

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But without a doubt the most important difference is that currently the Iridium constellation is incredibly established and widespread. We’re talking about a mission that dates back to the 1990s, while the Globalstar network started soon after, in the early 2000s. That is, Apple is still tied to Globalstar’s expansion capacity, in which it is currently investing . . Something that could affect the dates of expansion of the satellite function of those from Cupertino.