Qualcomm ends satellite-to-phone deal, opening doors for Iridium

Earlier this year, Qualcomm announced ‘Snapdragon Satellite’ project—in collaboration with Iridium—to enable Android devices send texts over satellite connectivity.

This was the chipmaker’s solution to integrate Iridium’s satcom technology to more Android devices. Which mirrors Apple and Huawei who managed to bring satellite connectivity to the iPhone 14 Series and HUAWEI Mate 60 Series, respectively.

However, the company now pulls the plug on the project due to the lack of adoption by major phone makers. “The companies successfully developed and demonstrated the technology… Notwithstanding this technical success, smartphone manufacturers have not included the technology in their devices,” said Iridium in a press release.

Qualcomm conveyed their decision last November 3 and will be effective on December 3, 2023.

Despite the circumstance, Iridium remains optimistic about the future of satcom in wider consumer electronics. And sees itself as “well-suited to be a key player in this emerging market.”

Additionally, the deal’s termination opens doors for Iridium. The company says it will now be free to re-engage directly with smartphone original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), other chipmakers, and smartphone OS developers that they previously worked with.