Google SVP Says Android Is Getting Satellite Phone Tech

Google is not exactly alien to the concept of satellites talking with phones. After trying its hands with internet-beaming balloons — a project referred to as Project Loon — Google invested in SpaceX back in 2015 to support its satellite endeavors, as reported by The New York Times several years ago. As well, a Google patent application filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office talked about how “satellites can provide communication services to areas where wired cables cannot reach.”

Another patent titled “Satellite Communications Adapter For Cellular Handset” details satellite-based narrow-band communication that would link a phone with satellites orbiting in space. At the heart of it all is a narrow-band Internet-of-Things (NB-IoT) radio access technology (RAT); it would kick into action when the system (that is, the phone) detects that it is out of the regular cellular coverage zone. Back in 2021, Google was also spotted hiring for roles that had something to do with satellite internet providers (via 9to5Google).

Lockheimer’s tweet mentions that Google is currently working with partners to enable the satellite communication feature for phones starting next year. However, it is unclear if the term partners refers to satellite connectivity service providers like SpaceX and OneWeb or celluar carriers like T-Mobile, or both. Irrespective of business partners working with Google, the ability to link up with satellites as an emergency communication system on Android devices would be of great convenience.