MediaTek partners with Inmarsat to bring ultra-reliable, two-way satellite services to smartphones, IoT devices

Previously engaged in satellite communication service applications, MediaTek will collaborate with British satellite communications company Inmarsat to provide direct-to-device (D2D) communication services through the latter’s L-band-connected Elera satellite constellation.

Prior to this, Qualcomm announced its Snapdragon X70 networking chip, integrated with satellite communications provider Iridium and Garmin’s inReach satellite service, to launch a satellite emergency response solution called Snapdragon Satellite, thereby constructing a more comprehensive two-way communication service.

MediaTek’s partnership with Inmarsat evidently aims to bolster its competitive edge in the development of satellite communication technology applications.

In 2021, Inmarsat announced the launch of its global narrowband network built upon the ELERA satellite constellation, primarily targeting the satellite communication requirements of the Internet of Things, aviation, maritime, government, and select enterprises. The network ensures secure, cost-effective data transmission via satellite communications while maintaining adequate data transfer speeds.

The established collaboration between MediaTek and Inmarsat signifies further competition with Qualcomm’s market positioning, simultaneously enhancing MediaTek’s competitive advantage in the increasingly crowded satellite communications market.