Tag: satellite communications

After receiving conditional approval from the FCC last year, T-Mobile began offering testing of its satellite communication service in partnership with Starlink. It recently announced that the service will officially launch in July, with a planned monthly fee of $15. Currently, the service only supports SMS messaging and is compatible with some Android 15-powered phones, Samsung Galaxy S24 series or newer models, and certain other phones. iPhones supporting satellite connectivity can also use the service after upgrading to iOS 18.3 or later. T-Mobile stated that satellite connectivity will allow users to send distress signals in emergencies and maintain continuous communication. It also boasts that its partnership with Starlink will provide internet signal coverage to approximately 500,000 square miles of land in the US previously unserved by traditional base stations, allowing more users to connect to the internet via satellite. During the current testing phase, invited users can experience the service for free. Once the service officially launches in July, it will be charged at $15 per month, and T-Mobile's Go5G Next plan will include this service. Furthermore, T-Mobile announced that it will open the service to existing customers of competing telecom operators AT&T and Verizon, allowing them to use the satellite direct connection service developed in partnership with Starlink without switching carriers. Regarding the current service only offering SMS functionality, T-Mobile stated that voice and internet data transmission services will be added later, allowing users to access the internet via satellite, breaking away from the traditional connection model that relies on terrestrial base stations. However, T-Mobile currently has no plans to offer this service outside the United States. Many telecom operators in various countries and regions have begun to follow suit and partner with satellite network service providers. Starlink partnered with New Zealand telecom operator One NZ, making New Zealand the first country in the world to offer nationwide satellite internet service.

Following the FCC's recent conditional approval of their satellite communications service (limited to areas without telecommunications network signal), T-Mobile and Starlink have begun accepting applications from interested parties to participate in testing the service. The first wave of testing will take place between 2025, and applications are open to all users of T-Mobile telecommunications services and compatible devices. However, the number of available slots is limited, with priority given to emergency medical services and specific users requiring the service. In the initial approval, the FCC allowed Starlink and T-Mobile to use up to 7500 second-generation Starlink satellites to transmit network signals to the ground. The limitation to areas without telecommunications network signal is primarily to avoid interference with other network services. Currently, the FCC has not yet decided whether to allow Starlink to increase the power of its satellite signal transmission to provide sufficient network resources to support instant messaging and video calls; currently, it can only handle SMS messaging. T-Mobile stated that satellite connectivity will allow users to send distress signals in emergencies and maintain contact with the outside world by sending and receiving messages. It also boasts that, in partnership with Starlink, it has provided network signals to approximately 50 square miles of areas in the United States that were previously unreachable by traditional base stations, thereby enabling more users to connect to the Internet via satellite.

Bloomberg News reports that Apple will add satellite communication and blood pressure monitoring to its next Apple Watch. While satellite communication may initially be included in the Apple Watch Ultra, given that the Apple Watch Series 10 released this year also features open water functionality, it's possible that satellite communication will be added to all Apple Watch models. This satellite communication feature would allow users to send messages or their location via satellite connection even without a mobile network or Wi-Fi signal, enabling them to call for help and stay connected in emergencies. Given Apple's current partnership with Globalstar for satellite communication services on iPhones, it's expected that the Apple Watch will also partner with Globalstar if satellite communication is added. In addition to the potential satellite communication feature, Apple is also expected to add blood pressure monitoring to the Apple Watch released next year, allowing users to track signs of high blood pressure or monitor blood pressure changes.

Previously, Starlink was granted permission to test its satellite network service within 10 days of launch using the 1910-1915MHz and 1990-1995MHz frequency bands. Following recent experimental confirmation that the satellite network service could allow mobile phones to connect directly to the internet via satellite in areas without mobile network signal, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently approved the official operation of the direct satellite internet service offered by Starlink and T-Mobile, but only for areas without telecommunications network signal. In this approval, the FCC allows Starlink and T-Mobile to use up to 7500 second-generation Starlink communication satellites to transmit network signals to the ground. The reason for limiting service to areas without telecommunications network signal is primarily to avoid interference with other network services. Currently, the FCC has not yet decided whether to allow Starlink to increase the power of its satellite network signal transmission to provide sufficient network resources to support instant messaging and video calls; currently, it can only handle SMS messaging. Jessica Rosenworcel, Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), stated that the FCC is currently assisting more telecommunications operators in establishing partnerships with satellite service providers to eliminate mobile internet blind spots and promote positive competition in the future space economy. In a previous statement, Starlink indicated that its "Direct to Cell" service, enabling direct satellite connections from mobile phones, will operate from 2024 and is expected to provide SMS, voice, and internet services, making it available to all LTE-enabled phones.

Following its $450 million investment in Paul Jacobs' satellite emergency call service in November 2022, Apple has recently expanded its partnership with Globalstar by $11 billion to increase the bandwidth available for its satellite service. In addition to this investment, Apple will acquire approximately a 20% stake in Globalstar in a $400 million equity transaction, signifying Apple's expansion of satellite connectivity applications for iPhones. For example, in the iOS 18 update, Apple already allows certain iPhone models to send text messages via satellite without a mobile network or Wi-Fi connection. While Apple previously announced that its satellite communication service would be offered free for two years, meaning that users of the first iPhone 14 series models with satellite communication capabilities would have to switch to a paid service starting at the end of 2024, Apple has not yet disclosed the actual billing method for its satellite communication service. Therefore, Apple may continue to offer the service for free, but may charge extra for certain new features. On the other hand, some market observers speculate that Apple may integrate its satellite communication service into the Apple One subscription plan, or offer it as a value-added service to telecom operators.

Apple introduced the ability to send emergency SOS messages via satellite communication starting with the iPhone 14. During WWDC 2024, iOS 18 further enhanced this by adding the ability to send text messages via satellite even when Wi-Fi or cellular data is unavailable. Apple subsequently demonstrated how this feature works. ▲iOS 18 allows iPhones to send text messages via satellite even without a signal. To use this feature, you must have an iPhone 14 series or later, and the operating system must be updated to iOS 18 or later. The scenario must be when Wi-Fi or cellular data is unavailable, and a notification from the system indicating that satellite communication is available must appear. The usage is the same as before: First, connect to a satellite signal. The satellite signal connection method is basically the same as before. The user must first guide the iPhone to find the optimal direction for connecting to the satellite signal according to the on-screen instructions. When a satellite signal is successfully connected, the indicator on the Dynamic Island interface will turn green. If the satellite signal strength changes, the color of the indicator will change accordingly. This feature primarily allows users to maintain contact with family, friends, or specific emergency contacts via SMS when they cannot easily communicate via Wi-Fi or mobile network. Therefore, it can only be used to send SMS messages to those designated as emergency contacts or family members added to iCloud, avoiding interference from a large number of spam SMS messages when satellite communication bandwidth is relatively limited. It can send iMessage or regular SMS messages, but not RCS format messages. Currently, this feature can send iMessage content and regular SMS message content, using compressed data packets to transmit text and simple emojis. It also allows users to reply to specific messages, but photos and videos, which consume more bandwidth, cannot be transmitted via satellite signal bandwidth. SMS content transmitted via satellite bandwidth is displayed as a blue bubble in the iPhone's message feed, while the receiving end's message is displayed as a gray bubble. The message content only displays "sent" and "delivered" status messages, but does not show whether the recipient has read it. While iMessage and regular SMS messages can currently be transmitted via satellite bandwidth, only iMessage content is currently end-to-end encrypted. RCS format messages are not yet supported; Apple explains this is because RCS messages cannot be effectively compressed, making them difficult to transmit via the limited bandwidth of satellite signals. Currently, it's free to use, but Apple hasn't announced future pricing plans. Regarding satellite SMS transmission, Apple stated that users received two years of free service with the iPhone 14 series, later extending it by an additional year. The iPhone 15 series also offered free satellite SMS transmission, so theoretically, Apple will also offer this feature for free when the new iPhone 16 series launches this fall. However, Apple hasn't yet explained how it will be charged after the free trial period ends; further information may emerge when the new phones are unveiled this fall.

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) earlier rejected SpaceX's application to add mobile communication services to its satellite service system, citing potential interference concerns regarding the frequency bands SpaceX applied to use. SpaceX's application included the use of the 1.6/2.4 GHz band, the 2 GHz band, and the 20200-2025 MHz band. However, the 1.6/2.4 GHz band could cause frequency interference with existing bands used by satellite service provider Globalstar, while the 2 GHz band could potentially interfere with services provided by broadband provider Dish. Previously, Globalstar and Dish had objected to SpaceX's frequency band application, and the FCC required SpaceX to amend its application or prove that it would not cause potential interference problems. SpaceX's Starlink has partnered with US telecom operator T-Mobile to expand T-Mobile's communication service coverage via satellite connectivity. It was mentioned at the time that a new wave of low-Earth orbit satellites to be launched next year would embed T-Mobile's corresponding mid-band PCS spectrum (1900MHz specification) signal transmission and reception capabilities, allowing smartphones on the ground to communicate directly via satellite. In its application, SpaceX stated its desire to obtain permission to use the relevant frequency band, enabling mobile phones to connect to satellite communications for internet access or make calls. SpaceX's proposed communication service will cover voice, messaging, and basic internet transmission functions, with theoretical upload speeds between 3Mbps and 7.2Mbps and download speeds between 4.4Mbps and 18.3Mbps.

Following its recent announcement of expanding the wireless network connectivity experience driven by 5G and Wi-Fi, Qualcomm unveiled the FastConnect 7900 wireless connectivity platform, supporting Wi-Fi 7, at MWC 2024. It also launched the new Snapdragon X80 5G network data chip, powered by artificial intelligence, which combines millimeter wave and sub-6GHz connectivity bands, while also integrating satellite signal connectivity capabilities. This strengthens the scope of wireless network connectivity applications and further enhances on-device AI computing performance. ▲Qualcomm Drives On-Device AI Computing Power with Wireless Communication Technology. After announcing the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor last year to drive on-device AI computing applications, Qualcomm emphasizes further driving the user experience of smart computing for everything. The most important aspect is the enhanced wireless connectivity design, which increases on-device AI computing performance and promotes the development of hybrid AI architectures through faster connection transmission efficiency. ▲Qualcomm emphasizes its commitment to further enhancing the user experience of smart computing for everything. The newly launched FastConnect 7900 wireless connectivity platform integrates artificial intelligence (AI) technology with Wi-Fi 7, enabling Wi-Fi wireless transmission to accelerate connection efficiency through AI computing, reduce power consumption, and meet the needs of multi-device connectivity. ▲The FastConnect 7900 wireless connectivity platform integrates AI and Wi-Fi 7 technology. The simultaneously launched Snapdragon X80 5G network data chip is an enhancement of previous products, incorporating satellite signal connectivity. It also uses AI to accelerate transmission efficiency, emphasizing that when used in personal network devices, it can improve transmission efficiency by 60% and reduce power consumption by approximately 10% through millimeter-wave connections. Furthermore, it can reduce latency by 20% during selected network times, resulting in a 30% increase in connection speed. ▲The Snapdragon X80 5G network data chip, enhanced with satellite signal connectivity and based on previously released products, has seen Qualcomm state that the price of 5G connected phones globally has now fallen below the $99 price range (approximately NT$3000). Compared to 4G connected phones at the same price point, it offers peak wireless transmission speeds more than five times faster. Currently, over 28 billion people have access to and use 5G network services. In addition, Qualcomm has also introduced the 5G FWA (5G Fixed Wireless Access) chip—5G FWA Ultra—which supports globally applicable specifications and millimeter-wave bands.

Starlink submitted an application to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in early December last year for a license to provide a direct satellite communication service for mobile phones. It was recently approved, but currently only allows testing within 10 days of satellite launch using the 1910-1915MHz and 1990-1995MHz frequency bands; it has not yet approved commercial operation. According to the FCC's current approval, Starlink is only permitted to conduct antenna function tests after satellite launch to confirm that the antenna is operating normally. Furthermore, Starlink must avoid impacting other satellite services during the testing process; if such impact cannot be avoided, it will need to coordinate with affected entities. The FCC's refusal to approve Starlink's application for a direct satellite communication service license was due to incomplete descriptions of satellite technical specifications in its submitted documents. Starlink stated that the relevant technology cannot be disclosed and therefore hopes for leniency. In its previous statement, Starlink announced that its "Direct to Cell" satellite communication service, enabling direct cell phone connections, will be available starting in 2024. It is expected to provide SMS, voice calls, and internet access, making it compatible with all LTE-enabled phones. This service is based on a partnership agreement announced last August with T-Mobile, whereby T-Mobile will provide some 5G spectrum for Starlink's second-generation low-Earth orbit satellites. Starlink will allow LTE-enabled phones using T-Mobile's services to directly access satellite signals, emphasizing that its service already covers almost the entire United States. Leveraging satellite connectivity, Starlink states that this service will not be limited by geography or the cost of traditional base station deployments. As long as a satellite signal is received, SMS can be sent. It is also expected to add phone calls, internet access, and support broader IoT connectivity needs. Because different specifications will be used to accommodate mobile internet connectivity, Starlink will continue to launch more new micro-satellites in the coming years to enhance mobile connectivity, while satellites originally designed for general internet access will continue to be used.

Bill Gerstenmaier, SpaceX's Vice President of Construction and Flight Reliability, revealed to the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Space and Science that the company plans to launch more rockets in the next two and a half months, aiming to accumulate at least 100 flight missions by the end of this year and at least 144 missions in 2024. To achieve this goal, SpaceX will need to conduct at least 12 flight missions per month next year. SpaceX executives revealed that one reason for increasing the number of flight missions is related to the upcoming rollout of its Direct to Cell satellite communication service. SpaceX's Starlink satellite networking service, named "Direct to Cell," will offer direct to Cell satellite communication services starting in 2024, including SMS, voice calls, and internet access, and will be available to all LTE-enabled phones. However, this service will initially only offer SMS functionality in 2024, with voice, internet access, and IoT connectivity features expected to be added gradually in 2025. To achieve this goal, Starlink must launch more low-Earth orbit satellites to support the communication service and ensure sufficient global coverage. This service is based on Starlink's previous agreement with T-Mobile, whereby T-Mobile will provide some 5G network spectrum for Starlink's second-generation low-Earth orbit satellite connections. Starlink will also allow LTE-connected phones using T-Mobile's services to directly access satellite signals, emphasizing that its service already covers almost the entire United States. Following Apple's inclusion of satellite emergency call functionality in the iPhone 14 series, many other phones on the market have also started adding similar features, intensifying market competition. Market analysts believe that the demand for satellite-based internet connections will become even more significant in the future, and is expected to be incorporated into the upcoming 6G mobile network specifications, becoming a widely adopted technology.