Apple will equip its new iPhone 14 series with satellite communication capabilities. / Photo by Song Hyundo, Asia Economy intern reporter
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung, Intern Reporter Song Hyundo] The 'satellite communication' feature of the Apple iPhone 14, launching on September 16 in the US, Europe, Japan, and other regions, is drawing attention. This function supports emergency calls and text transmissions via satellites even in areas where regular communication is impossible. In the past, satellite communication was rarely integrated into general mobile phones due to slow speeds. However, next-generation satellite communication, powered by advanced low Earth orbit satellite technology, is expected to bring innovation to the smartphone market once again.
The iPhone satellite communication service was unveiled at Apple's new product launch event on the 7th (local time). The core idea is to maintain simple call functions using satellite communication networks in remote areas without mobile phone base stations or mobile stations, such as the middle of the ocean or even in the mountains.
Apple's satellite communication service partner is Globalstar, a space communication network company headquartered in the US, which operates about 50 communication satellites in Earth's orbit and provides satellite communication services in over 100 countries. Apple plans to initially offer satellite communication services free of charge for two years to iPhone users in North America, including the US and Canada, before transitioning to a subscription-based global service. Due to the vast land and low population density of the North American continent, rural and mountainous areas often have insufficient mobile phone networks. Natural disasters frequently occur, sometimes destroying ground communication stations. This environment is ideal for the practical use of satellite communication.
However, there are clear limitations to satellite communication technology so far. According to Apple, it can take more than 1 to 2 minutes just to send a rescue request (SOS) message due to slow download and upload speeds.
◆Apple's Interest in Satellite Internet... The Key is 'Low Earth Orbit Satellite Network'
Existing satellite communication companies such as Globalstar, Inmarsat, and Iridium, which have contracts with Apple, have been manufacturing and selling dedicated satellite communication phones. These products are mainly used by professionals like explorers and ship navigators.
Satellite communication mobile phone supported by Inmarsat. Devices that support satellite communication are generally used by ship crew members, personnel working at disaster sites, and explorers. / Photo by Inmarsat website capture
Apple has been actively researching satellite communication technology since last year. According to the US IT media outlet 'The Verge,' Apple had been planning to equip the iPhone 13, released last year, with a chipset for satellite communication.
The reason Apple is interested in satellite communication is due to the 'low Earth orbit satellite network,' considered a next-generation technology. Initially, Globalstar, Inmarsat, and Iridium supported communication by deploying satellites in geostationary orbit thousands of kilometers away from the Earth. The greater the physical distance between the ground and the satellite, the longer it takes to send and receive signals, resulting in slower speeds.
In contrast, the latest communication satellite networks have improved speed issues by deploying satellites in low Earth orbit, only about 500 to 1000 km away from Earth. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, is pushing the internet satellite network 'Starlink,' which aims for communication speeds comparable to ground-based 5G networks.
If satellite communication achieves speeds comparable to regular base station communication, it will have various advantages. Unlike base stations, there will be no 'communication blind spots.' Internet connections will never be interrupted or weakened anywhere. This can be integrated with various technologies such as smart cities connected by Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, autonomous driving, and virtual reality (VR).
◆Will Apple Become a 'First Mover' in Satellite Communication?
By entering the satellite communication market earlier than competitors, Apple is expected to face various challenges. First, satellite communication phones must have a separate modem chip to send and receive communication beams with satellites. Although the related technology has already been commercialized, so development is not particularly difficult, the problem lies in the business model.
Satellite communication operators are building satellite internet networks by deploying thousands of low Earth orbit satellites. Establishing and maintaining such massive infrastructure requires substantial funding. CEO Musk announced last year that he plans to invest $30 billion in building the Starlink satellite network. Such expenditures must eventually be recovered through subscription fees from service users. Satellite communication companies and mobile phone manufacturers need to negotiate and find a compromise.
Regulatory issues also exist. Currently, satellite communication networks are bound by the international radio frequency communication protocol called 'ITU-R.' If Apple intends to set higher frequencies to improve satellite communication performance in the future, it must contribute to developing new international standards. If Apple can find a business model that allows smooth cooperation with satellite communication companies and also address regulations for future additional technology development, it could enjoy a 'first mover' advantage several steps ahead of other companies.
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