Google is not exactly alien to the concept of satellites talking with phones. After trying internet-beaming balloons to its hands — a project described as Project Loon — Google dedicated to SpaceX back in 2015 to guide its satellite endeavors, as reported by The New York Times in the past. As well, a Google patent application filed with all the United States Patent and Trademark Office talked about how exactly “satellites can offer communication services to places where cables that are wired reach.”
Another patent titled “Satellite Communications Adapter For Cellular Handset” details satellite-based communication that is narrow-band would link a phone with satellites orbiting in space. In the centre from it all is really a narrow-band Internet-of-Things (NB-IoT) radio access technology (RAT); it might kick into action if the system (this is certainly, the telephone) detects that it’s from the regular coverage zone that is cellular. 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 year that is next. However, it really is unclear in the event that term partners relates to satellite connectivity service providers like SpaceX and OneWeb or celluar carriers like T-Mobile, or both. Regardless of business partners using the services of Google, the capability to link up with satellites being an emergency communication system on Android devices will be of good convenience.
