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Satellite and mobile device convergence
Enabling direct-to-cell satellite calls, messaging and data is becoming a focus
for chipmakers, smartphone manufacturers and CSPs, with recent developments
including:
Today, authorities rely on their ability to monitor and investigate suspects’
communications on traditional communications networks. If criminals
circumvent these channels, it creates new challenges for law enforcement.
Huawei:
Mate 60 Pro device reportedly supports satellite connectivity for voice
calls and SMS, using China’s Tiantong-1 satellite system.
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Apple:
Limited satellite connectivity for the iPhone 14 and 15 enables sending
one-way emergency SOS messages.
19
Qualcomm:
6 smartphone manufacturers, including Motorola and Xiaomi, will launch
devices using Qualcomm's Snapdragon Satellite feature, which enables
two-way SMS messaging through the Iridium satellite network.
20
Starlink:
Direct to Cell service to roll out in fall 2024, first with text messaging,
and expanding to voice and data in 2025
21
. The service reportedly will
work with standard LTE devices for subscribers of T-Mobile (US), Rogers
(Canada), Optus (Australia), One NZ (New Zealand), Salt (Switzerland)
and KDDI (Japan).
Starlink’s satellite internet service is currently available in over 60 countries
and has reached 3 million customers worldwide as of May 2024
22
, with
analysts projecting over 30 million customers by 2027
23
.
Convergence of satellite and mobile devices is in initial stages, but is
expected to grow over the coming years.
Time till mainstream adoption: NEAR TERM
With more accessible satellite communications, criminals and other bad
actors will find it easier to communicate independently of cellular networks,
and thus more easily evade detection by authorities.
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