In a recent interview with Yonhap News, Lee Jong-ho, the Minister of Science and ICT in South Korea, hinted at an exciting development for smartphone users. Domestic smartphone brands, led by Samsung, are expected to introduce data transmission between 5G phones and satellites by next year. While the Galaxy S23 did not include satellite connectivity for emergency services, the upcoming Galaxy S24 might be the pioneer in this domain.
Samsung Satellite Connectivity Plans for Galaxy Smartphones
Samsung’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, featured in its high-end phones this year, has the capability to connect to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites for emergency calls and messaging. However, the current flagship models like Galaxy S23 and the foldable devices lack this feature. Samsung cited the immaturity of the satellite connectivity ecosystem as the reason for its absence.
The tech giant is reportedly collaborating with Iridium Communications, which operates a low-earth orbit satellite constellation for emergency communications. This partnership could pave the way for a new era of satellite-connected smartphones.
The upcoming Galaxy S24, expected to launch in the first quarter of next year, might carry this groundbreaking feature. If realized, this will be a significant leap, as only Huawei phones currently offer satellite connectivity in the Android ecosystem.
The addition of two-way satellite connectivity for emergency communications will provide users with the ability to send calls and messages when they find themselves in areas without cellular network coverage. This technology is crucial for safety, allowing individuals to request rescue or medical assistance in remote locations.
As the technology continues to evolve, the hope is that in the future, regular phones will possess two-way satellite communication capabilities without the need for additional hardware. Such advancements could redefine connectivity and safety for smartphone users, especially in challenging environments.