China Telecom Launches Mobile Direct Satellite Service
Smartphone technologies continue to advance, making our lives easier with new products. One clear example of this is the satellite connection feature. This technology, first introduced with the iPhone 14, is now used in models from various brands, including Samsung and Oppo. Another manufacturer aiming to stand out with the satellite connection feature is Huawei. Moreover, there were claims suggesting that the company not only wanted to benefit from this technology but also aimed to prevent others from doing so. However, China Telecom has clarified that this is not true. Here are the details…
China Telecom has confirmed that Huawei does not have exclusive rights to satellite communications technology. The company is also planning to cooperate with more phone makers to promote the adoption of this technology. In September 2023, Huawei launched the Mate 60 Pro smartphone, which was the first to support satellite communications. The phone allows users to make calls and send text messages even in areas with no cellular coverage.
Some industry insiders had speculated that Huawei had exclusive rights to satellite communications technology, which would have delayed the launch of similar features from other phone makers. However, a China Telecom spokesperson told Sina Technology that Huawei does not have exclusive rights to the technology. The spokesperson said that implementing satellite communications in a smartphone requires significant technical expertise and investment, covering areas such as chips, protocols, and terminals.
“Currently, only the Huawei Mate 60 Pro supports satellite communications,” the spokesperson said. “We are planning to cooperate with more phone makers to make this technology available to everyone.” The Huawei Mate 60 Pro is a high-end phone with a relatively high price. China Telecom’s goal is to make it possible for people to use satellite communications with a more affordable phone.
China Telecom to Launch Own Satellite Communications Phone, Tianyi Bodun S9
In addition to working with phone makers, China Telecom has also launched its own satellite communications service, called “Mobile Direct Satellite.” This service allows users to add satellite communications to their existing cellular plans. The service is available to all China Telecom customers, and it does not require users to switch to a new SIM card or phone number.
China Telecom says that its mobile direct satellite service leverages the company’s exclusive operation of the Tiantong-1 satellite constellation. The service covers all of China’s territory and territorial waters. China Telecom also plans to launch its own satellite communications phone, the Tianyi Bodun S9. The phone will be available on November 10. It has a built-in satellite antenna and can be used to make and receive calls and send and receive text messages.
