Analysts specializing in mobile technologies deny rumors that the iPhone 13 can support satellite communications, which have spread in recent days.
It all started when Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed that the iPhone 13 series could come with a chip that would allow “Low Earth Orbit Satellite Communications.”
Kuo appears to base his prediction on Qualcomm’s joint work with Globalstar, a satellite company, to develop the chip that will carry the iPhone 13.
However, mobile phone analysts and communication experts they refute the theory that the iPhone 13 can use satellite communications when cellular connectivity isn’t available.
PCMag analyst Sascha Segan, for example, affirms that the fact that the new Qualcomm chip was manufactured in collaboration with satellite company Globalstar that doesn’t mean the next iPhone can communicate with satellites.
But … you take the b53 / n53 connectivity, it becomes "iPhone has Globalstar" that becomes "iPhone has satellites" And here we are. New solo-based LTE/LAA band. They are not satellites. @TechmemeChatter
– Sascha Segan (@saschasegan) August 30, 2021
Instead of, the chip developed by Qualcomm and Globalstar will be able to take advantage of the satellite bands previously assigned to satellite service. Simply put, the new custom chip could allow the iPhone 13 to have better cellular connectivity thanks to additional bands.
The expert Robert Graham also he pointed The iPhone 13 can use the 2.4835GHz to 2.4950GHz band, which is the “upper half” of channel 14 Wi-Fi. Most countries do not use this band for Wi-Fi, but it is generally assigned to GlobalStar for downlink satellite communications.
Satellite Phones
how is a downlink channel, would not allow smartphone-to-satellite communication. Furthermore, the spectrum is approved for terrestrial use only, which makes satellite communication rumors less likely.
GlobalStar spent $5 billion to deploy satellites and buy spectrum, but then went bankrupt. The company’s new strategy is theoffer this valuable spectrum for private networks and cellular usage.
A finance expert points that current operators are unlikely to allow “Another eats from your plate”, referring to the fact that the technology used disregards telecommunications companies.