Samsung plans to add a satellite function to the Galaxy S23

Following in the footsteps of Apple and Huawei, Samsung is also reportedly planning to add satellite connectivity to the upcoming Galaxy S23 series. The Korean firm is said to have partnered with Iridium, a global satellite communications company, to transmit data such as text messages and low-capacity images via satellite.

South Korean publication Etnews claims that Samsung is preparing to introduce a satellite communication feature on its upcoming Galaxy S23 smartphones to transfer data such as text messages and low-capacity images at hundreds of kbps.

The publication says that Samsung has worked hard over the past two years to overcome the technological challenges in satellite communications. It is reported that it will merge with Iridium, a good satellite company based in the USA. Iridium provides voice and data services in space using 66 low Earth orbit communications satellites.

Enabling voice and high-speed data transmission over satellite requires a large (RF) antenna, but that’s probably the last thing you want to see on a modern smartphone. So, the biggest problem in Sat-com is making an antenna that won’t scratch. Etnews reports that Samsung is done with this part.

It is also reported that the technology for integrating mobile and satellite modems for digital data processing is largely complete. Samsung has not yet confirmed any details regarding this new feature.

As mentioned, Huawei and Apple have already introduced satellite functionality in their latest flagships. iPhone 14 users in the US and Canada can use this new feature to contact emergency services when cellular service is unavailable. The Cupertino-based company says that in ideal conditions with direct sky and horizon views, a message sent via Sat-com can take 15 seconds to send and more than a minute under light or medium-leaved trees.