Satellite connectivity is a staple of all phones in Apple’s iPhone 14 lineup, but the US government has outlined new plans to make phone-satellite links available to more users in the near future. increase.
As spotted by PhoneArena (opens in new tab) the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has submitted a proposal to allow mobile carriers such as Verizon and AT&T to work with satellite operators to provide mobile coverage in signal-free areas.
Now, Apple’s partnership with satellite company Globalstar allows the latest iPhones to establish a connection with satellites through a feature called “Emergency SOS via Satellite” (which we tested ourselves). All four iPhone 14 models boast high-tech components that interact with Apple-owned ground stations. The ground station has staff answering emergency calls from users in the US, UK, Canada, France, Ireland and Germany.
In other words, the existing infrastructure for smartphone-based satellite connectivity is largely owned and operated by Apple, and the US government wants to change this reality.
Samsung is set to debut comparable phone-to-satellite capabilities on its Samsung Galaxy S24 line next year, but the South Korean company will use Qualcomm’s own Snapdragon Satellite service to do just that.
So the US government proposed a system with “non-geostationary satellites”. [get] Lease from terrestrial owner. Simply put, this means the satellite company and his mobile carrier will work together to provide coverage in areas without existing his Wi-Fi or cellular coverage.
If the proposal is approved, the new phone will no longer need a dedicated Apple-style component to establish a satellite connection. Instead, mobile carriers are responsible for facilitating these connections.
Of course, mobile operators will almost certainly charge more for plans that allow emergency satellite connections, but such premium smartphone features (currently the best iPhones and, more recently, Motorola Defy 2) will be possible. It will be widely available soon.
All four of Apple’s iPhone 14 series will support satellite connectivity (Image credit: 123RF)
Also note that Apple has not yet confirmed whether the “Emergency SOS via Satellite” feature will be free to iPhone 14 users indefinitely. This potentially life-saving technology is currently available for free for two years, but Apple will charge iPhone 14 owners who use the feature a subscription fee or 1 after the “free trial” period ends. We may choose to implement a one-time fee.
Apple’s decision on the above may guide the broader mobile industry’s approach to satellite connectivity. Satellites are an expensive business, and cell phone makers will certainly discourage users from trying to communicate via satellite except in emergencies.
However, the great news is that many may soon be given the option to make an emergency call when needed.
