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.
