Too late for the Galaxy S23 line, Samsung announces a 5G modem chip for phone to satellite connectivity

At the time, Roh said, “When there is the right timing, infrastructure, and the technology [is] ready, then of course for Samsung Galaxy, for our mobile division, we would also actively consider adopting this feature as well.” Today, Samsung announced that it has created a 5G modem chip that uses non-terrestrial networks (NTN) technology that supports direct communication between smartphones and satellites in remote areas that lack cellular signals. This technology will be integrated into Sammy’s Exynos modem chips.

NTN technology uses satellites and other “non-terrestrial vehicles” to deliver wireless connectivity to areas where building a terrestrial network is not feasible or possible such as over mountains, in the middle of the ocean, or a desert. Looking to the future, Samsung says that NTN technology will be important. “It will also be critical in assuring operability in disaster areas and powering future urban air mobility (UAM) such as unmanned aircraft and flying cars,” the company writes.

Samsung announces a 5G modem for phone to satellite connectivity

Min Goo Kim, Executive Vice President of CP (Communication Processor) Development at Samsung Electronics said, “This milestone builds on our rich legacy in wireless communications technologies, following the introduction of the industry’s first commercial 4G LTE modem in 2009 and the industry’s first 5G modem in 2018. Samsung aims to take the lead in advancing hybrid terrestrial-NTN communications ecosystems around the world in preparation for the arrival of 6G.”

Samsung noted in its release that future Exynos modems will support two-way texting along with the ability to share high-definition images and videos. In other words, Samsung envisions a time when satellite connectivity is made available for non-emergency use. Apple also has a patent that will allow future iPhone models to send images and video via satellite.

Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite uses on-screen directions to help an iPhone 14 series user connect to a Globalstar satellite. Once connected, the user can share important information with emergency responders via text. The service currently supports the use of English, American Spanish, Canadian French, French, and German. While eventually Apple will ask users to pay for a subscription to access the service, at the moment it is free.

Samsung did not announce which phones will be the first to use the new modem. It is too late for the Galaxy S23 line, but the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 are up next with a possible August release.

Too late for the Galaxy S23 line, Samsung announces a 5G modem chip for phone to satellite connectivity

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