In a surprising turn of events, Qualcomm and satellite communications company Iridium have decided to part ways, putting the much-anticipated Snapdragon Satellite project on hold. The collaboration aimed to bring satellite messaging and connectivity to smartphones, with the iPhone 14 and select Android devices already incorporating this feature.
Despite successfully developing and demonstrating the technology, the joint venture hit a roadblock as smartphone manufacturers opted not to include satellite connectivity in their devices. Consequently, Qualcomm announced the termination of its agreement with Iridium, leaving the fate of Snapdragon Satellite hanging in the balance.
While this development may suggest a setback for satellite connectivity, Iridium’s CEO remains optimistic about the industry’s trajectory. He affirmed that other players like SpaceX, AT&T, and T-Mobile are actively pursuing similar projects. For instance, T-Mobile users can already leverage SpaceX’s Starlink satellites to send messages from remote areas.
Qualcomm, in a statement, clarified that smartphone companies will continue to rely on standard-based solutions. This entails devices connecting to traditional cell phone towers, which, in turn, link to a base station receiving signals from high-orbit satellites. The shift away from Snapdragon Satellite doesn’t imply the abandonment of satellite connectivity; rather, it underscores a preference for existing, widely adopted methods.
The anticipated Snapdragon Satellite launch, initially slated for the second half of this year, is now uncertain. Qualcomm, however, remains committed to collaborating with Iridium on enhancing current solutions. Simultaneously, the termination of the Qualcomm-Iridium deal opens up opportunities for the satellite communications company to engage directly with smartphone manufacturers.
As the industry navigates this change, the future of satellite integration in consumer devices remains promising, with various stakeholders actively exploring innovative solutions. The Qualcomm-Iridium split, while a setback, does not signal the end of satellite connectivity in smartphones.
