Qualcomm and Iridium bring satellite-to-cellular services to Android

Qualcomm and Iridium have unveiled Snapdragon Satellite, a solution that brings satellite-to-cellular services to next-generation Android smartphones.

Snapdragon Satellite will support two-way messaging from pole to pole in remote, rural, and offshore locations.

“Robust and reliable connectivity is at the heart of premium experiences. Snapdragon Satellite showcases our history of leadership in enabling global satellite communications and our ability to bring superior...

6 January 2023 | Hot Topics

Ericsson, Qualcomm and Thales to take 5G into space

The Andromeda Galaxy.

Ericsson, Thales and Qualcomm Technologies plan to take 5G out of this world and across a network of Earth-orbiting satellites.

After having each conducted detailed research which included multiple studies and simulations, the parties plan to enter smartphone-use-case-focused testing and validation of 5G non-terrestrial networks (5G NTN).

The result could effectively mean that a future 5G smartphone could use 5G connectivity anywhere on Earth and provide complete global...

15 July 2022 | 5G

EE and Qualcomm set 5G spectrum aggregation record

EE has partnered with Qualcomm to set a European 5G spectrum aggregation record.

The operator successfully aggregated a 5G signal using seven different spectrum carriers, including its existing 3.4GHz and new 3.6GHz 5G channels.

David Salam, Director of Mobile at EE-owner BT, said:

“Our commitment to technology investment and innovation, coupled with our leading 5G footprint, continues to see the EE network offer and sustain the best overall 5G experience in...

20 April 2022 | 5G

Qualcomm will reportedly continue helping Huawei to skirt US sanctions with 5G-less chips

A tipster claims that Qualcomm will offer more 5G-less versions of its chips that enable Huawei to skirt US sanctions.

Huawei is among the Chinese companies sanctioned by the US. The sanctions predominately stop Huawei from accessing American products relating to 5G and limit the company’s ability to make its own Kirin silicon.

Qualcomm’s latest and greatest chips feature 5G, leaving Huawei – typically a key Qualcomm customer – out in the...

6 September 2021 | 5G

Apple’s new iPhones could feature emergency satellite communications

Apple is reportedly developing at least two features that will enable users to communicate using satellites in a rural emergency.

If you’re high up a mountain, or in the middle of the ocean or dense forest, the likelihood is you don’t have a cellular signal. However, there’s a good chance you’ll be in the range of several satellites—especially if 1,000+ launches per year becomes the new norm.

Cupertino has been exploring the use of satellite technology since at...

31 August 2021 | Networks

Vodafone and Qualcomm team up to boost Open RAN ecosystem

Vodafone and Qualcomm are teaming up to help more equipment suppliers enter the market through Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) technology.

OpenRAN is set to bring about a new paradigm for how telecoms networks are deployed. Free of vendor lock-in, operators can use the interoperable equipment which suits their particular needs for cost and performance.

Dino Flore, VP of Technology at Qualcomm Europe, said:

“Virtualisation and Open RAN offer a significant...

30 April 2021 | LTE