Samsung Electronics has unveiled standardized 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN) modem technology for direct communication between smartphones and satellites, making it easier to connect with remote regions. Samsung plans to incorporate the technology into its Exynos modem solutions, hastening the commercialization of 5G satellite communications, and opening the way for the 6G-driven Internet of Everything (IoE) era.
The announcement comes as various tech giants and wireless carriers, including Apple, Qualcomm, and T-Mobile, have announced plans to bring satellite connectivity to smartphones. However, Samsung’s system will use satellites and other non-terrestrial vehicles to bring smartphone connectivity to remote areas like deserts, mountains, and oceans, according to the company’s press release. Samsung also suggests that this technology could one day be used for disaster relief efforts and to power autonomous aircraft and flying cars.
Through a press release, Samsung said NTN technology will help ensure interoperability and scalability between services offered by global telecom operators, mobile device manufacturers and chip companies.
The 5G NTN technology complies with the latest 3GPP Release 17 standards, ensuring interoperability and scalability among services offered by global telecom carriers, mobile device manufacturers, and chip companies. To guarantee highly reliable NTN communication with low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, Samsung has also developed and simulated 5G NTN standard-based satellite technology.
According to Min Goo Kim, Executive Vice President of CP Development at Samsung Electronics, “This milestone builds on our rich legacy in wireless communications technologies, following the introduction of the industry’s first commercial 4G LTE modem in 2009 and the industry’s first 5G modem in 2018. Samsung aims to take the lead in advancing hybrid terrestrial-NTN communications ecosystems around the world in preparation for the arrival of 6G.”
Future phones with Exynos modems equipped with Samsung’s satellite technology will support two-way text messaging and the ability to share photos and videos. While Samsung has not announced which devices will support the technology or when it will arrive on their phones, it seems that this feature could become a staple in the smartphone industry in the coming years.
Currently, satellite connectivity is absent from the new Galaxy S23 lineup, even though the phones include the necessary hardware for Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon Satellite service. Samsung’s approach differs from Apple’s emergency satellite connectivity, which is available in the iPhone 14 lineup. Apple’s technology involves the user answering prompts on their iPhone to share critical details with emergency dispatchers, rather than initiating a two-way conversation. Qualcomm also announced the Snapdragon Satellite system at CES in January, which will use Iridium’s satellite fleet to enable emergency communications and eventually two-way texting.
Samsung’s President and Head of Mobile Experience Business, TM Roh, referred to current satellite options as being too limited when discussing the Galaxy S23’s lack of satellite support with CNET.
“When there is the right timing, infrastructure, and technology [is] ready, then of course for Samsung Galaxy, for our mobile division, we would also actively consider adopting this feature as well,” he said ahead of the company’s Unpacked event earlier this month.
Both Apple and Qualcomm plan to monetize their satellite services in different ways. Apple will charge for the service after two years, while Qualcomm will offer a premium option for sending satellite-based texts for non-emergency scenarios. It remains unclear whether Samsung will charge for its satellite connectivity offering.
As the trend of satellite communication systems grows in the smartphone segment, Huawei and Apple were pioneers, but other manufacturers are also working on proposals to bring to consumers soon. Samsung has now announced its two-way satellite communication technology for smartphones, which will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the future of the industry.
