Qualcomm has ended the Snapdragon Satellite project. Like the partner iridium in one Press release explained, the chip manufacturer has terminated the previous agreement on December 3, 2023.
Snapdragon Satellite should enable users of smartphones with certain Qualcomm SoCs to communicate via satellite. Qualcomm presented the service at CES 2023 and the first smartphone manufacturer partners at MWC 2023.
Via satellites from partner Iridium, users should be able to use two-way communication via SMS, but also messenger services. Unlike Apple’s satellite communications, Qualcomm’s solution should not only be used in emergencies, but also to be able to communicate in areas with poor network coverage.
Smartphone manufacturers weren’t interested
As Iridium explains in its press release, smartphone manufacturers ultimately showed too little interest in implementing the service in their devices. Qualcomm is extremely opposed CNBC the same reason.
Furthermore, Qualcomm has stated that smartphone manufacturers are interested in a solution for satellite communications that is standardized – i.e. can be used without a proprietary solution from Qualcomm. Accordingly, Qualcomm told CNBC that it wanted to continue working with Iridium on a standardized communications solution.
What this will look like is currently not known. Apple was the first major manufacturer to start incorporating satellite communication into its smartphones. This is limited to emergency messages and is not intended for chatting. In remote areas without network coverage, iPhone users should be able to get help.