Qualcomm Technologies announced Snapdragon Satellite — the world’s first satellite-based two-way capable messaging solution for smartphones.
Snapdragon Satellite will provide connectivity using mobile messaging from around the world, starting with devices based on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform.

Qualcomm and Iridium entered into an agreement to bring satellite-based connectivity to next-generation premium Android smartphones; Garmin looks forward to collaborating with support for emergency messaging.

Snapdragon Satellite can support two-way messaging for emergency use, SMS texting, and other messaging applications – for a variety of purposes such as emergencies or recreation in remote, rural and offshore locations.

Beyond smartphones, Snapdragon Satellite can expand to other devices, including laptops, tablets, vehicles and IoT. Snapdragon Satellite is planned to support 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), as NTN satellite infrastructure and constellations become available.

The solution for smartphones utilizes Iridium’s weather-resilient L-band spectrum for uplink and downlink.

Matt Desch, CEO, Iridium, said in a news statement: “Our network is tailored for this service – our advanced, LEO satellites cover every part of the globe and support the lower-power, low-latency connections ideal for the satellite-powered services enabled by Snapdragon Satellite.”