SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Dec. 7, 2024 – In a significant advancement for mobile communication, Deutsche Telekom, Skylo, and Qualcomm have successfully completed a groundbreaking test demonstrating the feasibility of sending and receiving SMS messages directly via satellite from a standard smartphone. This achievement marks a crucial step towards providing ubiquitous connectivity, even in areas without terrestrial network coverage.
A European First: NB-NTN Direct-to-Handset Messaging
The test, conducted in Greece using the Cosmote network (a Deutsche Telekom subsidiary), is the first of its kind in Europe. It leverages NB-NTN (Narrowband-Non-Terrestrial Network) technology, which allows smartphones to connect directly to geostationary (GEO) satellites for basic communication services like SMS. This capability is particularly vital for individuals in remote areas, on ships at sea, or during emergencies where traditional cellular networks are unavailable.
How it Works
The demonstration involved sending an SMS message from a smartphone equipped with a Snapdragon X80 5G Modem-RF System and integrated NB-NTN satellite connectivity. The message traversed Skylo's commercial NTN network, which is integrated with Cosmote's terrestrial network, ensuring seamless handover between terrestrial and satellite coverage. This integration is key to providing continuous connectivity regardless of location.
Key Benefits of Satellite-to-Smartphone Messaging
- Ubiquitous Connectivity: Extends coverage to remote areas, oceans, and disaster zones.
- Enhanced Safety: Enables communication in emergencies when terrestrial networks are down.
- Seamless Experience: Users can send and receive SMS messages without needing separate apps or devices.
Partnerships Driving Innovation
This breakthrough is the result of close collaboration between industry leaders:
- Deutsche Telekom: Provides the terrestrial network infrastructure and expertise in mobile communication.
- Skylo: Offers the satellite network and NTN service, enabling direct-to-handset connectivity.
- Qualcomm: Supplies the Snapdragon X80 modem with advanced capabilities for satellite communication.
Quotes from the Leaders
"Our customers want to always stay connected. Direct-to-Handset will be an important add-on feature for our mobile networks. It enables our customers to text from everywhere on their regular devices without separate apps," said Antje Williams, SVP Business Creation, Group Technology, Deutsche Telekom.
"We are proud to partner with Deutsche Telekom and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. to showcase the first direct-to-handset texts over satellite in Europe," stated Parthsarathi Trivedi, CEO and co-founder of Skylo Technologies. "Soon, customers will no longer have to think twice about coverage before sending a text message, whether they are on a remote island in Greece or in regions without cellular coverage."
"We are pleased to announce our collaboration with Deutsche Telekom and Skylo on this significant milestone in Europe," commented Dino Flore, Vice President, Technology at Qualcomm Europe, Inc. "Together, we have enabled NB-NTN direct messaging to mobile phones using a device powered by the Snapdragon X80 5G Modem-RF System, further enhancing the use of smartphone satellite connectivity."
The Future of Mobile Communication
This successful demonstration paves the way for the wider adoption of satellite-based communication services, offering a more reliable and resilient communication experience for users worldwide. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative solutions that bridge the gap between terrestrial and satellite networks, ensuring that everyone can stay connected, no matter where they are.