The words ‘satellite phone’ used to bring to mind the image of a mountain climber, a scientist in an Arctic research station, or a sailor using a brick-sized handset to communicate from the edges of the world where there are no mobile or fixed-line networks.
But today, we’re increasingly seeing smartphone manufacturers integrate ‘satellite-to-device’ connectivity into everyday handsets, writes Ernst Wittmann, TCL regional manager for southern and East Africa, and global operator account manager for Africa.
This sounds like a breakthrough for countries like South Africa, where some rural and remote have no network coverage. Satellite-to-device is a relatively limited and immature technology, potentially still years away from making a meaningful difference for most consumers. Let’s take a closer look.
Separating promise from reality
Satellite phones are not new and many people working in areas where there is no other infrastructure rely on them to stay in touch. Historically, satellite devices were expensive and specialised. What has changed is that technology has advanced to a point where it is possible to receive a satellite connection directly on certain smartphone models.
One of the game-changers in satellite connectivity is the rapid development of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity solutions like Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper. These satellites dramatically improve the speed and reliability of satellite connectivity. Unlike traditional satellites, LEO satellites operate closer to the planet’s surface, reducing latency and enabling faster data transmission.
That means people can use their smartphones in areas with no cellular coverage, like deep in the Amazon jungle or the middle of the jungle. But the catch is that the functionality of most commercial satellite-to-device solutions is limited to one-way text messaging. Most services are designed for sending SOS messages rather than web-browsing or video-calling from the top of a mountain.
Satellite-to-device is not commercially available in South Africa. Manufacturers that offer satellite-to-device in their phones do not yet support the service for South African users. Plus, satellite-to-device comes at a high price even in the countries where it is available. Users need to buy a premium phone with satellite connectivity included in its upfront price or buy a satellite subscription.
Testing the future in South Africa
Even so, we are seeing rapid movement in the satellite-to-device space. Some companies plan a wider role for satellite-to-device than emergency calls and messages. In a few years from now, it may be possible one day to make international calls on a satellite network when you’re travelling rather than paying roaming fees. Or you could have access to broadband services in the middle of nowhere.
To that end, some providers are developing two-way messaging and calling, and even trialling data services. However, getting it right depends on partnerships between mobile operators, handset makers, chipset manufacturers and satellite providers, as well as regulatory approval in each market. South Africa is already taking steps in this direction.
Earlier this year, MTN SA conducted the country’s first trial direct-to-satellite phone call in partnership with Lynk Global, proving that the technology works on local networks. MTN has said it intends to launch a direct-to-device service across its footprint in the near future and is exploring partnerships with multiple providers.
Vodacom, meanwhile, is working with its shareholder Vodafone and US-based satellite connectivity company AST SpaceMobile to provide direct-to-device services across all its markets. Vodafone in the UK recently made the first-ever demonstration video call using 4G/5G Android smartphones over satellite from an area with no terrestrial mobile coverage.
However, MTN and Vodacom both warn that the timeline for deploying direct-to-device satellite services will depend on regulatory developments. The commercial rollout of these services will also rely on mobile operators forging partnerships with LEO providers as well as the affordability of smartphones that support the technology.
A connected future for everyone
It’s clear that satellite-to-phone will not replace mobile networks in the near future. Instead, it will complement them by providing coverage in remote or disaster-affected areas where towers are unavailable. Think of hikers lost in the Drakensberg, farmers deep in the Karoo, or communities cut off by floods.
In the longer term, the same technology could enhance connectivity resilience, keeping people and devices online when traditional infrastructure fails. It could also support industries like mining, logistics, and agriculture that operate in areas beyond cellular reach. As such, it may be a while before it makes a difference for the everyday smartphone user.
At TCL, we are tracking the developments in line with our focus on making innovation affordable and accessible. Our mission is to democratise innovation, ensuring that cutting-edge features, from 5G and AI enhancements to satellite connectivity, are not limited to premium devices. As smartphone-to-satellite connectivity moves from theory toward practice, we aim to be ready for our users.