Samsung Electronics has announced that it has successfully tested direct satellite communications to smartphones based on its 5G NTN (non-terrestrial network) modem technology. The Exynos 5300 modem is the first to be compatible with this functionality, which will likely be integrated into Samsung Galaxy smartphones.

Much more advanced satellite connectivity than Apple’s

Like SpaceX’s Starlink, NTN’s 5G will rely on low-orbit satellites to provide internet access in remote areas, particularly where Wi-Fi or cellular coverage is weak or non-existent.

Compared to Apple’s Satellite Emergency SOS feature, which is limited to messaging and sending location coordinates, Samsung will enable two-way messaging and support for sending pictures and videos.

Samsung claimed to be able to achieve this result through the design of the Exynos 5300 modem, which allows for accurate prediction of locations and theDoppler effect. The latter is prevalent in mobile satellite connectivity, as moving low-orbit satellites and ground-based end-users vary the frequency, degrading the connection and increasing latency.

When is this technology coming to Samsung Galaxy smartphones?

It is still unclear when Samsung will launch satellite connection on Galaxy smartphones. It’s possible that the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Flip 5 will be the first to integrate this technology. At the same time, Samsung hasn’t revealed which satellite provider it will be working with to launch this feature.

For Apple, the satellite connection will be offered free of charge for all iPhone 14 for two years. The Cupertino company has so far enabled this feature in a few countries including the US, Canada, Germany, France, Ireland and the UK.

Would you consider satellite connectivity as an important feature for smartphones?