Tech
26 Jan 2023
This week, Apple and Huawei presented two new smartphones; the iPhone 14 and the Mate 50. Among their many features, one stands out more than the others: their satellite connection. A feature announced as revolutionary and which should, in time, become the norm, but what exactly does it consist of?
By allowing its Mate 50 to connect to satellites, Huawei is above all seeking to circumvent the American restrictions that have plagued it for years now. Apple, on the other hand, is highlighting the security that this feature offers its customers. Among other things, the satellite connection allows messages to be sent even when no mobile network is available.
From cellular to satellite
While 5G is still struggling to be deployed around the world, a new type of communication for mobile phones is emerging. This is satellite communication. It is actually not so new, as it was already used to transmit television programmes and certain types of telecommunication. The new interest in this technology is only due to the enthusiasm of the giants of the sector - Apple and Huawei - but also of the private space company SpaceX, which has formed a partnership with the operator T-Mobile. The difference with cellular communication is that telephone exchanges are transmitted by radio waves via satellites and not via relay antennas. The main advantage of the satellite network is that it covers more space. It can therefore take over in areas that are not covered by the cellular network.
This is a good thing, especially in the event of an accident. This is Apple's main argument, presenting the iPhone 14's compatibility with the satellite network as an emergency feature. But while the satellite connection is available in remote areas, it is not available everywhere. In other words, you may well be out of range of the cellular network, but also of the satellite network, and therefore unable to notify emergency services.
Are satellite phones a novelty?
Not really. As mentioned above, satellites have been used in the past to provide communication links around the world. It is therefore logical that compatible terminals exist. This is still the case today, but until now they have mainly been used in specific settings, for example to provide communication in remote areas, especially at sea.
But the fact that giants such as Apple and Huawei are taking a keen interest in it means that the technology is making a comeback and is mostly being incorporated into more affordable consumer devices - although in the case of the iPhone 14, one might question this.
What range for the iPhone 14 and Mate 50?
So by getting one of Apple and Huawei's new smartphones, we can be sure we'll be able to contact the emergency services, right? Well, not really. Apart from the risk of being in an area not covered by satellites, the Emergency SOS function of the iPhone 14 will only be available in the United States and Canada, starting in November.
For the time being, the Cupertino-based firm has only partnered with Globalstar to offer this functionality, namely an American satellite communication company that "only" owns 24 orbital devices. A collaboration that is nevertheless worth 450 million dollars.
The same applies to the Mate 50. To offer this functionality, Huawei relied on the satellites of Beidou, the Chinese navigation and positioning system, which is currently in limited use.
But satellite connectivity is expected to spread around the world in the coming years as more and more smartphone manufacturers get on board. Indeed, Google has confirmed that the next version of Android will support satellite communication.