The American semiconductor company expects to expand the new two-way messaging solution, which is powered by the Snapdragon 5G modem-RF systems and supported by Iridium Communications’ satellite constellation, to other devices, including tablets, laptops, vehicles, and the Internet of Things
Qualcomm introduces two-way messaging solution called Snapdragon Satellite. (Credit: Coolcaesar at en.wikipedia)
Qualcomm Technologies has introduced a satellite-based solution dubbed Snapdragon Satellite, which is said to be capable of supporting two-way messaging for premium smartphones and beyond.
The American semiconductor company said that the new solution will offer global connectivity by utilising mobile messaging worldwide. It is expected to be launched with devices based on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 mobile platform.
Qualcomm has also announced an agreement with US-based satellite communications company Iridium Communications to provide satellite-based connectivity to next-generation premium Android smartphones.
Snapdragon Satellite, which is powered by the Snapdragon 5G modem-RF systems, is supported by the Iridium Communications’ satellite constellation. The smartphone solution leverages the weather-resilient L-band spectrum of Iridium Communications for both uplink and downlink.
Through the partnership, Iridium is expected to enable satellite services into a number of smartphone brands and to expand to other consumer devices in the future.
Iridium Communications CEO Matt Desch said: “While some have been expecting we would be integrating our system into a specific smartphone, what we’ve done is so much bigger.
“Working with a mobile technology leader such as Qualcomm Technologies and their powerful Snapdragon platforms allows Iridium to serve the smartphone industry horizontally – and offers us an opportunity to enable other consumer and vehicular applications in the future. This supports our larger vision of connecting people and things on the move, anywhere!”
Besides, Qualcomm has stated that communication devices company Garmin is expected to partner it to support emergency messaging.
The emergency messaging service on the new solution is anticipated to be introduced on next-generation smartphones in select regions, beginning in the latter half of this year.
Snapdragon Satellite will allow original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and other service providers to deliver truly global coverage, stated Qualcomm.
The two-way messaging solution is anticipated to be expanded to other devices, including tablets, laptops, vehicles, and the Internet of Things (IoT), and support 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN).
Qualcomm Technologies cellular modems and infrastructure senior vice president and general manager Durga Malladi said: “Snapdragon Satellite showcases our history of leadership in enabling global satellite communications and our ability to bring superior innovations to mobile devices at scale.
“Kicking off in premium smartphones later this year, this new addition to our Snapdragon platform strongly positions us to enable satellite communication capabilities and service offerings across multiple device categories.”