In July this year, it was announced that it had officially acquired MeizuNearly 8% equityAt the same time, Geely Auto's mobile phone subsidiary, StarTimes, revealed it would develop mobile phones that integrate low-orbit satellite communications technology. In a recent interview, StarTimes CEO Wang Yong reiterated the company's commitment to a full-scenario integrated connectivity model, allowing users to access information through various channels, including satellite communications to ensure "never lose connection" for mobile phones.
Wang Yong stated that since the 3G era, people's mobile phone usage has shifted from making calls to browsing their phones, and the amount of information transmitted has also continued to increase. In the 4G and 5G eras, information content has begun to be transmitted to mobile phones through various channels, even including virtual reality, and the amount of information has increased significantly compared to the 3G era.
However, the current communication range operated by base stations actually only covers about 20%-21% of the earth's surface area. Nearly 80% of the earth's surface area is still not covered by network signals. Even when people move to high altitudes or the sea, they will be "disconnected". Therefore, low-orbit satellite communication technology in recent years hopes to bridge this gap. Companies including SpaceX's Starlink and Amazon's Kuiper are actively striving for development in this market.
Chip manufacturers including Qualcomm, MediaTek, etc.Satellite communication technology has begun to be deployedApple’s upcoming iPhone 14 also plans to add satellite communication functions. Huawei also stated that the Mate 50 series will use satellite communication functions to achieve "signals beyond the ground", thus highlighting that satellite communication will become the next competitive market for many mobile phone operators.
Wang Yong revealed that the first mobile phone of the Star Era will be released next year. It will also be the world's first consumer-grade mobile phone that can directly connect to low-orbit satellite signals, without the need for additional signal conversion. It will also integrate multiple information connection channels through Star Era's interconnection technology, including satellite communication, 5G connection and near-field communication to make the mobile phone "never lose connection", thereby expanding the coverage of Star Era's full-scene applications and corresponding to high-speed, stable and low-latency connection experience.
