Apple introduced emergency satellite connectivity with its iPhone 14 models last fall, and obviously Android devices couldn’t be far behind. Qualcomm today at CES announced Snapdragon Satellite, a two-way satellite messaging service that will be available on “premium next-generation Android smartphones.”
This is made possible through a partnership with Iridium, which operates a constellation of 66 satellites in low Earth orbit. One of its main competitors is Globalstar, Apple’s partner for its service.
Snapdragon Satellite will support two-way messaging for emergency use, SMS and “other messaging applications”. Qualcomm clearly states that it will not only be for emergencies, but also “recreation in remote, rural and offshore locations”.
It will be supported starting on devices equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. Emergency messaging on Snapdragon Satellite “is expected to be available on next-generation smartphones launched in select regions starting in the second half of 2023,” according to Qualcomm.
Snapdragon Satellite can also expand to other devices, such as laptops, tablets, cars and IoT products. OEMs and app developers can offer unique branded services by leveraging satellite connectivity. Snapdragon Satellite will support 5G non-terrestrial (NTN) networks as they become available.
Garmin will partner with Qualcomm “on support for emergency messaging.” Brad Trenkle, vice president of the outdoor segment at Garmin, said, “Garmin welcomes the opportunity to expand our proven satellite emergency response services to millions of new smartphone users around the world. Garmin Response supports thousands of incidents SOS every year and has likely saved many lives in the process, and we look forward to partnering with Qualcomm Technologies and Iridium to help people connect to emergency services no matter where life takes them.”
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