Android 14: Google says it will support Android phone makers to enable satellite connectivity

More tech companies appear to be working on making satellite connectivity more widely available without the need to buy expensive sat phones. Google is the latest company to announce its efforts in bringing the technology to smartphones through the Android 14 update.

Google SVP of Platforms and Ecosystems Hiroshi Lockheimer said in a post on Twitter that it is “wild to think” that smartphones are gaining direct satellite connections. He then recalled that “it was a stretch” in 2008 to just put 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity to mobile phones.

“Now we're designing for satellites, Lockheimer said. “Excited to support our partners in enabling all of this in the next version of Android!” Google confirmed to 9To5Google that Lockheimer was referring to Android 14.

Google’s support for bringing direct satellite connection to Android phones came shortly after T-Mobile and SpaceX announced their partnership in making the tech available in the United States. T-Mobile said last week that its Un-carrier plans will offer “near complete coverage” in most US locations, including hard-to-reach places and areas with no cell signals, thanks to SpaceX’s low Earth orbit satellites.

In the same announcement, T-Mobile said most smartphones on T-Mobile’s network will be compatible with direct satellite communication “using the device’s existing radio.” This means most T-Mobile customers do not have to buy new devices to enjoy the upcoming service.

Satellite connection will allow smartphone users to send messages even without a cell signal, which would be very helpful during emergencies. T-Mobile says its satellite service will support text messaging (SMS and MMS), as well as some “participating messaging apps.” But the company noted it will also pursue support for voice and data coverage over satellite connections.

Satellite connections in common smartphones will likely become widely available next year. T-Mobile and SpaceX’s service will enter beta tests in select US areas in late 2023 following the latter’s planned satellite launches. This lines up with the expected release window of Android 14 in the second half of 2023.

The addition of satellite connections is very likely to be the next major development in the smartphone industry. Apple is also rumored to be working on adding this feature to upcoming iPhones and Apple Watch.

Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash