The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) wants to boost satellite-to-phone service, which is still in its early stages. The commission is proposing rules that would make it easier for phone companies and satellite operators to provide coverage in remote and underserved areas. Satellite companies collaborating with cellular providers could be granted FCC permission to operate on some licenced, flexible wireless spectrum that is normally reserved for ground-based service.
Operators would be required to meet certain criteria. They’d have to use non-geostationary satellites and obtain leases from terrestrial spectrum owners in a specific area. After that, they may be able to provide outdoor service even in areas where cell phones are completely inoperable.
So far, only a few devices support satellite connections. Apple’s iPhone 14 family can send emergency messages via satellite. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Satellite enables off-grid texting for Android phones equipped with Snapdragon systems-on-chip and the X70 modem. However, it will not be available until the second half of 2023. Carrier collaborations will also not begin in earnest until T-Mobile and SpaceX launch their Starlink-based collaboration. Testing will begin later this year, but it should work with both standard texting and some messaging apps.
The technology typically requires a direct line of sight to a satellite, and the limited bandwidth of existing solutions makes them unsuitable for large data transfers. They can, however, assist you in reaching first responders during a walk or confirming your arrival at a wilderness campsite. The ultimate goal is to use satellites for general data.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) wants to boost satellite-to-phone service, which is still in its early stages. The commission is proposing rules that would make it easier for phone companies and satellite operators to provide coverage in remote and underserved areas. Satellite companies collaborating with cellular providers could be granted FCC permission to operate on some licenced, flexible wireless spectrum that is normally reserved for ground-based service.
Operators would be required to meet certain criteria. They’d have to use non-geostationary satellites and obtain leases from terrestrial spectrum owners in a specific area. After that, they may be able to provide outdoor service even in areas where cell phones are completely inoperable.
So far, only a few devices support satellite connections. Apple’s iPhone 14 family can send emergency messages via satellite. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Satellite enables off-grid texting for Android phones equipped with Snapdragon systems-on-chip and the X70 modem. However, it will not be available until the second half of 2023. Carrier collaborations will also not begin in earnest until T-Mobile and SpaceX launch their Starlink-based collaboration. Testing will begin later this year, but it should work with both standard texting and some messaging apps.
The technology typically requires a direct line of sight to a satellite, and the limited bandwidth of existing solutions makes them unsuitable for large data transfers. They can, however, assist you in reaching first responders during a walk or confirming your arrival at a wilderness camp site. The ultimate goal is to use satellites for general data.
