In an announcement made in February, MediaTek and Samsung promoted standards-based 3GPP Release 17 satellite NTN (non-terrestrial network) connectivity in their mobile chipset products. This standards-based approach to satellite connectivity contrasts with Apple and Qualcomm’s respective mobile RF designs, software solutions and proprietary solutions from their satellite constellation partners, according to a TechInsights study.
MediaTek MT6825 NTN Chipset
The MT6825 is a standalone 3GPP Release 17 NB-IoT NTN SoC and RF solution designed to serve as a fit-for-purpose solution for existing smartphone designs. The chipset will provide narrowband satellite connectivity at kilobits per second data rates using common L&S-band satellite frequencies and target services such as two-way messaging.
Smartphones with the chipset include Motorola’s Defy 2 and CAT S75, both of which Bullitt, the maker of the devices, also announced a partnership with Inmarsat as one of two GEO satellite providers and Skylo as an integrator of phone-to-satellite communications software and networks.
Samsung Exynos 5300
The demonstration of 3GPP Release 17 NTN technology ensures that future Exynos modem designs supporting 3GPP standards will have the interoperability and scalability necessary to provide global telecom operators and equipment manufacturers with bidirectional satellite messaging provided by global telecom operators and equipment manufacturers. The Exynos 5300 modem is currently used in Google’s Pixel 7 series smartphones.
The 3GPP Release 17 NTN standard establishes a reliable method for satellite NTN communications that minimizes the effects of frequency shifts caused by Doppler shifts from fast-moving satellites in near-Earth orbit by accurately predicting satellite positions. This standardized approach allows industry participants such as satellite constellation providers, telecom operators and mobile device manufacturers to achieve interoperability and develop an ecosystem of partners and suppliers.
Satellite NTN communications will continue to evolve over time to provide services beyond basic information. 3GPP Release 17 also showcases the 5G NR NTN connectivity standard that could introduce broadband satellite-to-phone (satellite-to-phone) services using new 5G radios and additional spectrum resources. Improvements in network protocols and signaling optimization are expected to significantly improve network latency, which will enable more uncovered smartphone use cases.
New satellite-specific frequency bands (n255 and n256) based on 3GPP standards will be key to bringing new broadband NTN features and use cases to market. The adoption of bands n255 and n256 will also have an impact on RF front-end components, as the industry may support these new 5G bands in future smartphone designs.
The standard protocols and air interfaces established by 3GPP are the foundation for LTE and 5G. It is clear that satellite connectivity will follow similar common standards. However, in the Apple and Qualcomm landscape, competing market decisions to adopt proprietary solutions do complicate the satellite NTN landscape. In addition, the satellite direct-to-standard telephony business model promoted by satellite providers such as StarLink, Lynk Global and AST SpaceMobile, as well as wireless carrier partners, will further complicate the market with their solutions.
