Satellite Connection Feature Coming to Android Phones
The collaboration announced by satellite phone company Iridium and chip maker Qualcomm will bring satellite connectivity to high-end Android phones by the end of this year.
With the satellite connection, it will be possible to send and receive messages in emergency situations from places where there is no telephone signal.
Most Android phones work with chips from Qualcomm.
Apple brought this feature to iPhone phones in September 2022.
It will be up to Android phone manufacturers to decide whether or not to add this feature to their phones.
Satellite Connection
The Iridium company launched the first satellite phone into space in 1997. The company updated its infrastructure with 75 new satellites in 2019.
800 KM HEIGHT
Android users will be able to send and receive messages from anywhere in the world via these satellites at an altitude of 780 kilometers.
This feature is expected to be added to tablets, laptops and cars in the coming years.
It is estimated that at some point, this feature will not be limited to only emergency messages, but will be turned into a paid service.
Elon Musk’s Starlink company similarly offers internet connection service via its satellites.
Although connecting to the Internet via satellite is a fast and reliable method, it is more expensive than connecting with fiber cables.
This feature on Android phones may be restricted by some countries.
Because the use of satellite phones is prohibited in countries such as China and India.
