India pioneers satellite connectivity on smartphones, a transformative leap in tech advancement

Satellite connectivity on smartphones, heralded by the recent iPhone 14 with its SOS messaging capabilities without WiFi or cell service, has sparked curiosity about the underlying technology and its imminent arrival in India.

Traditionally, cell phones were tethered to ground-based towers, with signal strength dictated by proximity. Satellite phones, on the other hand, communicate with satellites orbiting Earth, offering broader coverage, which is crucial in remote areas lacking ground towers. Although specialized hardware, including antennas, was previously mandatory for satellite connectivity, emerging technology is changing the game.

Enter 5G NTN, or 5G Non-Terrestrial Network, a revolutionary technology allowing phones to access satellite data when out of reach of land-based 5G towers. This innovation facilitates seamless communication, encompassing messaging, GPS, and voice/video calls without the need for additional hardware.

At Mobile World Congress 2023, major smartphone brands showcased strides in satellite connectivity. MediaTek exhibited its NR-NTN technology for two-way satellite messaging on Android phones and teased its next-generation NR-NTN for enhanced data rates and broader applications. Qualcomm forged partnerships with brands like Honour, Motorola, Nothing, Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi to enable satellite messaging on premium phones featuring its Snapdragon Satellite platform. Samsung also unveiled an Exynos chipset with built-in satellite connectivity for smartphones and various devices.

With its expansive and challenging terrain, India emerges as a key market for satellite technology. Reliance Jio's launch of JioSpaceFiber, India's inaugural satellite broadband service, promises fiber-optic speeds and aims to provide reliable high-speed internet and entertainment across the nation. Airtel, through its joint venture Airtel OneWeb with OneWeb, secured regulatory approval to offer satellite services in India. Airtel's chairman anticipates OneWeb's nationwide coverage initiation as early as next month.

While progress on the 5G technology rollout and satellite connectivity in India is promising, challenges persist. Spectrum allocation, data security, pricing competition, and regulatory hurdles demand attention. Nevertheless, the potential of satellite-linked smartphones to digitally empower people in India, especially in remote regions, remains a beacon for enhanced connectivity and technological inclusion. As the satellite connectivity space gains momentum, India strides towards comprehensive connectivity solutions, balancing technological advancements with the intricacies of its unique landscape and regulatory landscape.