Android 14 will support satellite connectivity
It was previously reported that the satellite communication function was one of Apple’s test items before mass production of the iPhone 14 series and that Apple had already completed the hardware test of this function. It is mainly used to provide emergency text messages or voice services, and ultimately whether to provide satellite communication services depends on whether Apple and telecom operators can negotiate a business model.
At present, Google is distributing Android 13, and at the same time, the development of Android 14 can be started. Recently, Hiroshi Lockheimer, senior vice president of platforms and ecosystems at Google, said that When the first Android phone HTC G1 was released in 2008, it was not easy to get 3G + Wi-Fi to work properly, but now it is committed to connecting the phone with satellite, and satellite communication function will also be in the next Android version (Android 14).
Hiroshi Lockheimer said the experience of using a phone that can connect to a satellite will be different from connecting to an LTE or 5G network. At this stage, the satellite communication function is mainly to make up for the shortcomings of the terrestrial cellular communication system, such as the inability to receive cellular network signals in some remote areas. It is understood that telecom operator T-Mobile plans to support SMS and MMS on the satellite communication function, and even some texting applications, but need to work with partners to ensure that messaging traffic is separated from other data traffic.
Some time ago, MediaTek completed the world’s first 5G NTN (non-terrestrial network) satellite mobile phone laboratory connection test, allowing smartphones to achieve Internet access through satellite signals, opening a new door.
