According to the sources, it states that Elon Musk-led SpaceX and T-Mobile companies announced their collaboration to enable cellular connectivity anywhere in the world by integrating satellite communication into cellphones. Google has now acknowledged that Android 14 will soon include satellite connectivity.
Android 14 to Bring Satellite Support
Hiroshima Lockheimer, senior vice president of Android at Google, acknowledged in a tweet that satellite connection would be included in the next Android 14. He said in a tweet that It’s fascinating to consider how users of satellite-connected phones will interact with their devices.
Furthermore, he added that It was difficult to get 3G + WiFi working when they released the G1 in 2008. They are currently developing satellites. They are eager to assist their partners in making all of this possible in the upcoming Android 14 release. Lockheimer also mentioned the challenges in adding 3G and Wi-Fi support to the T-Mobile G1, the first consumer Android smartphone released in 2008, while talking about satellite support.
iPhone may soon enable satellite connectivity as well. In a blog post, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated that the Cupertino company has completed hardware tests for satellite connectivity, and whether or not the feature would be included on the iPhone 14 will rely on if the two parties can come to an agreement.
Satellite connectivity and Its Use
Unlike traditional services like 4G and 5G that use towers, satellite connectivity is offered through low-earth orbit or geostationary satellites in space. Satellite connectivity can be offered virtually anywhere in the world.
Satellite connectivity will benefit areas with no traditional connectivity options or cellular dead zones. It will be helpful in emergencies as people can connect with emergency services or their loved ones from anywhere in the world.
Comparison and Availability
As per the sources, satellite communication is not a substitute for more established connectivity technologies like 4G and 5G. It is helpful in places with poor traditional connectivity, such as rural areas or cellular dead zones.
The bandwidth in satellite connections will probably be restricted to 2 to 4 megabits per cellular zone, according to the Space Explored research. Although the cost of satellite access is still unknown, we anticipate it to be somewhat expensive.
Satellite connectivity will be accessible on specified devices once the feature is incorporated into Android 14. Once the update is out, we should have further information on the eligible devices. Before providing satellite connectivity in India, businesses must obtain the government’s approval. Recall that the Department of Telecommunications ordered SpaceX to reimburse clients in India who had reserved Starlink because it lacked a license.
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