Qualcomm officially released Snapdragon Satellite Communications and cooperated with Iridium Communications

Chipmaker Qualcomm has teamed up with Iridium Communications to offer satellite-based messaging services on high-end smartphones running Google's Android operating system, Reuters reported on Jan. 6.

A few months ago, Apple introduced a similar feature that allows iPhone 14 models to send emergency messages via satellite in some countries and regions, including the United States and Canada. The phones contain a Qualcomm chip that can communicate with satellites when there is no Wi-Fi or cellular data connection.

Qualcomm said on Thursday that the Snapdragon Satellite will be available in some regions starting in the second half of 2023, with the first devices using the second-generation Snapdragon 8 mobile platform.

Snapdragon Satellite can also be enabled on other devices, including laptops, cars and tablets.

Messages sent through the service will reach Iridium's satellite network using Qualcomm's technology. They will then be communicated to the recipient or emergency services. According to the data, Iridium’s first satellite was put into orbit in 1997, put into use in 1998, and completed the upgrade in 2019. It claims to have millions of daily active users.