The new satellite communication on phones is a life-saving feature for travelers and rural residents.
If you’ve been reading phone specs for some time, you probably noticed the word “satellite” on some models, particularly flagship units. This is a new, growing innovation on smartphones that comes with many uses.
Do you need it, though? Here, we’ll enlighten you about what it is, how it works, and who will benefit the most.
What is Satellite Connectivity
Satellite connectivity isn’t a new technology but a fresh take on smartphones. It literally means a connection to satellites, those tech objects orbiting our planet that transmit and receive signals to devices on Earth, like help forecast daily weather.
When your phone has it, it’s capable of communicating with satellites in space on top of communicating to cell towers on the ground.
How It Works
Connecting to a satellite needs specific hardware, so older phones and models without satellite connectivity can’t do it by default. A phone equipped with the right hardware can direct its signal and transmit data from the ground to a nearby satellite. So, how’s that better?
Imagine you’re in the countryside and the nearest cell tower malfunctioned. Your phone, budget or premium, will lose its signal and get disconnected from the network grid. That means no access to the internet, calls, and even text messages; your phone is basically useless.
But if there’s a satellite nearby and your phone can “talk” to it, you can reconnect to the grid and send some form of communication. Although limited, you’re capable of notifying someone of your situation.
Plus, satellites can cover a much greater area than cell towers. The chances of getting a signal and transmitting data via cell towers in an isolated area are likely lower, compared to contacting a satellite orbiting the planet.
However, satellite phones aren’t replacing traditional cellular connectivity – not yet. The feature is more applicable for unique circumstances, rather than created to make existing comms obsolete.
Who Will Benefit the Most
Those who love outdoor adventures or living in rural areas are most likely to get the benefits of satellite phones. This is because destinations may lead to low cellular signals, bad for emergencies. Satellite connectivity lets users immediately get help if there’s fire, they get lost, or they need medical attention, among others, even without cell towers.
Additionally, not every traveler can reap the benefits due to cost. 5G alone is spiking the price of a device through the roof, so expect satellite connectivity to send it to the moon. You either pay this feature upfront or pay it as a service wherein the provider charges you per usage.
But if this feature becomes a pay-per-message service soon, it’s worth the safety since emergencies are never planned. You no longer have to worry about reception as a satellite covers you when things go awry.
| Pros | Cons |
| Maintain coverage in rural areas | Not budget-friendly |
| Send SMS via satellite | Not super useful within cities |
| Access to satellite calling | Not yet accessible for the majority |
| Use navigation via satellite | Not yet available on most smartphones |
| Reliable in natural disasters and emergencies | Not yet fully test across all scenarios and environments |
Satellite connectivity is already available on many flagship and upper mid-range smartphones today. It’s powered by several firms, including T-Mobile and SpaceX partnership, Apple, Qualcomm, MediaTek, Motorola, and Samsung. China offers the same thing via BeiDou, certified on many brands, including Apple, HUAWEI, Meizu, and Xiaomi.
