Goodbye “No Service”: Can Skyphone help usher a new era for iPhone and Galaxy?،
In an age where connectivity has become as vital as the air we breathe, satellite smartphones could become increasingly sought after. Unlike their land-based counterparts, these devices promise to keep you connected in the most remote corners of the world, from the icy wastes of Antarctica to the isolated beaches of a desert island. But what exactly are satellite smartphones and why are they generating such buzz? What options do we have to stay connected even when out of range? At this year's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, our team had the chance to take a look at the Skyphone, a hybrid between a smartphone and a satellite phone, which got me thinking: are hybrid smartphones a good idea ?
Let’s dive in and explore this cosmic leap in communications technology.
How do satellite phones work?
Huawei Mate 60 Pro satellite connection (Image credit – Huawei)
Unlike traditional smartphones, satellite phones do not rely on cell towers. They are directly connected to satellites orbiting the Earth. When you make a call or send a message, the signal goes from your phone to the nearest satellite, then jumps to a ground station on the network, finally landing at its destination. This unique configuration ensures connectivity in off-grid areas without cellular coverage. Cellular networks have ground towers, providing fast, low-latency connections, but with limited range. Satellite connectivity, on the other hand, leverages satellites in orbit, ensuring global coverage even in the most remote locations. Yet they often come with slower speeds, higher latency, and higher costs than cellular networks.
In a nutshell, while ordinary phones rely on towers, satellite phones take up the entire sky as their network, promising truly extraordinary coverage.
Lifeguards in your pocket
Satellite smartphones aren't just something tech enthusiasts can brag about; they are real lifesavers in an emergency. When hurricanes destroy cell towers, you work off-grid, or you're trekking in a no-signal area, these gadgets become your safety net. They allow you to send SOS messages and contact details to rescue teams.
But for adventurers, globetrotters and professionals working in remote areas or at sea, these devices are more than just security tools. They're essential for staying in touch with family and friends, even if they're off the beaten path.
The pioneers: Apple, Samsung and Huawei
Image credit – Apple
The satellite-enabled smartphone arena is heating up, with tech giants like Apple, Samsung and Huawei joining the race for the cosmic connection. Apple's iPhone 14 series shook things up by introducing Emergency SOS via satellite, allowing users to send distress signals even while off-grid.
Not to be outdone, Samsung is reportedly gearing up to bring satellite capabilities to its devices, ensuring Galaxy users stay connected no matter where their adventures take them. The details are still under wraps, but the anticipation is dizzying.
Meanwhile, Huawei has already taken the plunge with its Mate 50 series, showing off satellite messaging features that keep you connected when cellular or Wi-Fi networks are MIA. But keep in mind that this feature only works outdoors and in mainland China, using the Beidou navigation system.
This is a bold leap into the future of global communication, proving that the sky is just the beginning, not the limit.
Why don't we all use satellite smartphones?
Image credit – Thuraya
Wondering why satellite smartphones haven't taken over yet? Well, it comes down to cost, at least for now. Launching satellites into space is an expensive affair, and the technology to make your phone compatible with satellites adds to the expense. However, as more people jump on the bandwagon and technology continues to advance, prices are expected to come down. Just think about the beginnings of flat-screen TVs: once a luxury, now a household staple.
Besides cost, there are other factors to consider:
- Performance: Despite global coverage, satellite connections have their limitations. They often have slower data speeds and higher latency than cellular networks.
- Limited functionality: While some phones, like the Huawei Mate 60 Pro, offer full calling functionality, others, like Apple's Satellite Emergency SOS, stick to the basics, allowing text messaging in case of emergency.
- Battery life: Satellite communications use more of a phone's battery than cellular connections, which can result in shorter battery life.
- Market saturation: Cellular networks are already widespread and offer cost-effective plans on a global scale. This makes establishing satellite connectivity difficult, especially given its current limitations and higher costs.
- Focus on emergency use: Currently, satellite connectivity in smartphones seems more focused on emergency communications than replacing traditional cellular networks. There is no limit, but it is a work in progress.
The future is calling: hybrid smartphones?
Image credit – Thuraya
The potential of satellite smartphones is limitless. As technology advances, we can expect more affordable models, better battery life, and sleeker designs. Companies like SpaceX and OneWeb are working to blanket Earth with satellites, promising even better coverage and connectivity. This could mean that, in the not-so-distant future, dropped calls and “No Service” notifications could become relics of the past.
Hybrid smartphones like the skyphone mentioned previously could offer a solid solution. They offer all the benefits of an Android smartphone, but easily switch to satellite signals when needed. With your SIM card snugly inside, these devices access Thuraya's (the phone's manufacturer) satellite connection when you're off-grid. This is similar to roaming, and just like roaming, you pay a little more for the minutes of conversation spent on the satellite link.
Hybrid smartphones might be the future but, honestly, for users who really need them. Most of us rarely encounter situations requiring a satellite connection; our cellular networks are sufficient. Therefore, spending over $1,000 on a hybrid phone might only make sense for those who must have one but still want the features of a smartphone.
I mentioned $1,000, but the reality might sting more. Take for example the Thuraya X5-Touch, the direct precursor to the Skyphone. It ran Android 7 with outdated specs even for its time, but carried a high retail price (around $1,300). Considering this, the recently unveiled Skyphone, although its price remains undisclosed, could increase even more.
Let's end it
As we stand at the dawn of this new era, it is clear that the future of communication is not just about connecting people; it's about connecting people everywhere (the old Nokia slogan, anyone?). The next time you look at the night sky, remember: there is a network of satellites that ensures we stay connected, and soon, that connectivity could be right in your pocket.
