Samsung introduces smartphone satellite communication technology: 2-way text, HD photo/video sharing

Today, Samsung introduced 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN) modem technology for direct communication between smartphone and satellite. NTN is a communication technology, which uses satellites and other non-terrestrial vehicles to bring connectivity to unreachable regions by terrestrial networks.

Follow our socials → Google News, Telegram, Twitter, Facebook

It includes over mountains, across deserts, and the middle of the ocean. The company aims to integrate this technology into its Exynos modem solutions. It will accelerate the commercialization of 5G satellite communications and pave the way for the 6G-driven Internet of Everything (IoE) era.

Besides, the company plans to secure a standardized NB-IoT NTN technology for use in its next-generation modem platforms. Samsung’s NB-IoT solutions will eliminate the need for a separate high-power wireless antenna chip inside smartphones with integrated satellite connectivity.

Samsung’s NTN technology meets the latest 5G NTN standards defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP Release 17). It will help ensure interoperability and scalability among services offered by global telecom carriers, mobile device makers, and chip companies.

“Samsung aims to take the lead in advancing hybrid terrestrial-NTN communications ecosystems around the world in preparation for the arrival of 6G,” said Min Goo Kim, executive vice president of CP (Communication Processor) Development at Samsung Electronics.

Thanks to the development and simulated 5G NTN standard-based satellite technology, Samsung’s future Exynos modems will support two-way text messaging as well as HD image and video sharing. So there is a possibility that the next-gen Galaxy devices may come with satellite communication.

Pay attention, the recently launched Galaxy S23 series lacks the smartphone satellite communication technology. A person responsible at Samsung said that we don’t think satellite communication is as mature as it hyped, however, the company will consider offering it in the future.