In January, Qualcomm announced a project to allow Android users to send texts via satellite without cell service. This was meant to rival Apple’s emergency SOS feature. However, the initiative didn’t work out as planned.
Qualcomm is ending its partnership with satellite phone maker Iridium for Snapdragon Satellite. Smartphone makers have not included the technology in their devices, and have shown a preference for standards-based solutions. The cost of satellite texting may have also dissuaded manufacturers. Apple has expanded its emergency SOS feature by adding crash detection integration.
Iridium will now work directly with smartphone makers, mobile OS developers, and other chipmakers. Meanwhile, Starlink is planning to offer satellite-powered voice and data functions directly to phones, eliminating the need for a Starlink terminal nearby.
Phone Makers’ Lack of Interest Kills Qualcomm’s Satellite Texting Plan
