Some Android phones will get satellite connectivity this year

Flagship Android phones released in the second part of the year could feature satellite connectivity thanks to Qualcomm. The chipset manufacturer today announced that devices powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and X70 modem system will be able to connect to the Iridium satellite network, allowing users to send and receive messages even when they don't have mobile coverage.

Dubbed Snapdragon Satellite, the service will initially be designed for emergency situations, as with the satellite functionality available in the iPhone 14 family. Snapdragon Satellite will however let you message anyone, while Apple's service only allows you to contact emergency services.

Qualcomm also wants Snapdragon Satellite to be used for non-emergency messages in the future - when hiking in an area with no reception, for example -, but this will likely incur a cost. Snapdragon Satellite can only be used for text-based messages; you won't be able to send photos or videos.

Notably, the Iridium satellite network is available around the globe. This means Snapdragon Satellite should work in Australia after phones supporting the functionality launch. Apple's Emergency SOS with satellite currently only works in the US, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, and the UK.

Qualcomm says the first phones to support Snapdragon Satellite will be available in the second half of 2023.

Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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