The year 2025 is poised to mark a significant breakthrough in satellite communication directly from smartphones, as leading companies prepare to implement direct connectivity to satellites, enabling communication even in the most remote areas of the planet.
Starlink, a project by SpaceX, plans to allow standard smartphones to connect directly to its satellites without any additional equipment. A messaging service is expected to launch by the end of 2025, followed by voice calling and data transmission capabilities.
AST SpaceMobile is developing a satellite network aimed at providing broadband cellular connectivity for regular, unmodified smartphones. The BlueWalker 3 project and subsequent satellites are among the largest commercial communication devices in low Earth orbit, targeting coverage in hard-to-reach regions lacking terrestrial infrastructure.
Apple is also enhancing its satellite capabilities, initially offering emergency SOS features, and now enabling iPhones to receive standard text messages via satellite when cellular towers are unavailable. This could incentivize iPhone users to upgrade their devices.
Integration of satellite communication modules into standard smartphones is already underway, allowing for messaging and emergency signals, with potential expansion of functionalities over time.
5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) standards are being developed to support direct communication between smartphones and satellites, crucial for mountainous regions, oceanic expanses, and remote areas lacking terrestrial networks.
However, the global success of satellite communication will depend not only on individual companies but also on collaborative projects and research initiatives, such as Sweden's ongoing studies in 6G technology. These efforts aim to enhance global coverage and establish direct satellite-to-smartphone communication as a standard feature in future technologies.
Samsung is also actively developing its satellite communication solutions to enhance coverage in areas with unreliable cellular service. In February 2023, Samsung announced the creation of a universal 5G NTN modem, enabling smartphones to connect directly with satellites for bidirectional text messaging and multimedia sharing.
The upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra will feature a satellite module, ensuring users remain connected even in remote locations and emergencies. While the iPhone 16 Pro Max supports satellite communication, Apple focuses primarily on emergency messaging, whereas Samsung may offer a broader range of services, including voice calls via satellite.
Samsung is collaborating with Starlink to test satellite services. In December 2024, One NZ launched a text satellite service initially supported by certain Samsung smartphones, with plans to expand device compatibility and introduce voice calling and data transmission features.
The cost of satellite communication for smartphones will vary by operator and plan. For instance, China Telecom offers satellite calling packages, while in Ukraine, satellite internet services may align with Starlink's pricing, estimated at $70-$100 per month.
Although satellite communication will provide global coverage, some countries may impose regulations or bans for security or technical reasons. Generally, coverage will be available almost everywhere, except for polar regions or areas with severe weather conditions.
Direct satellite communication with smartphones may have speed limitations, with Elon Musk noting that such connections could have 10-100 times lower bandwidth compared to specialized antennas optimized for satellite communication. For example, AST SpaceMobile achieved download speeds of 14 Mbps during tests with regular smartphones, indicating that satellite communication is suitable for basic tasks like messaging and voice calls, but may be insufficient for bandwidth-intensive applications like high-definition video streaming.
In summary, satellite communication from smartphones is set to become an integral part of the telecommunications market. Major companies like Apple, SpaceX, AST SpaceMobile, and Samsung are investing resources and expanding collaborations to spread this technology globally. Furthermore, global initiatives, such as Sweden's 6G research, underscore ambitious plans to integrate satellite communication into daily life.