- Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon Satellite solution is supported by the Iridium satellite constellation
- The emergency messaging will debut in the second half of 2023 on premium Android smartphones
Iridium Communications Inc. recently announced an agreement with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. to enable satellite messaging and emergency services in smartphones powered by Snapdragon Mobile Platforms. It said that Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon Satellite solution is supported by the fully operational Iridium satellite constellation. The partners expect the emergency messaging using Snapdragon Satellite to debut in the second half of 2023 in premium Android smartphones launched in select regions.
As opposed to selecting a single smartphone manufacturer, the official statement noted, Iridium’s collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies is aimed to support satellite services into a variety of smartphone brands and has the potential to expand to other consumer devices in the future.
The official notification pointed out that not only smartphones, but Iridium satellite connections can also enable similar applications for vehicles, and other personal consumer and IoT devices.
Iridium CEO, Matt Desch commented, “Working with a mobile technology leader such as Qualcomm Technologies and their powerful Snapdragon platforms allows Iridium to serve the smartphone industry horizontally – and offers us an opportunity to enable other consumer and vehicular applications in the future. This supports our larger vision of connecting people and things on the move, anywhere!”
“Qualcomm Technologies is rooted in a vision for engineering human progress and pushing the boundaries of what is possible with premium smartphones and the next generation of connected smart devices across industries,” stated Durga Malladi, senior VP & GM of cellular modems and infrastructure, Qualcomm Technologies.
Malladi believes that Snapdragon Satellite is another step in achieving the company’s vision, enabling OEMs and other service providers with global coverage and satellite messaging capabilities.
US-based Iridium claims to be the only mobile voice and data satellite communications network that spans the entire globe. In 2019, the company completed a generational upgrade of its satellite network and launched its new speciality broadband service, Iridium Certus.
