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Europe Connects Unmodified Phones via Satellite
19 Nov
Summary
- OQ Technology successfully sent emergency messages to standard smartphones from orbit.
- The demonstration occurred in a remote area lacking terrestrial network coverage.
- This achievement supports Europe's goal for sovereign satellite communication capabilities.
OQ Technology has pioneered direct-to-device emergency messaging from space, becoming the first European satellite operator to achieve this feat. Standard, unmodified smartphones, including iPhones and Android devices, received a real-time emergency broadcast directly from an OQ satellite passing overhead. This live orbital demonstration, conducted in a remote location without any ground-based network, validates the viability of space-based emergency communications for everyday devices.
The Luxembourg-based company utilized its S-band spectrum for the transmission and plans to expand its constellation to 100 satellites within three years. This expansion aims to enable two-way texting and eventually voice services, bolstering Europe's push for independent critical communication capabilities. Such advancements are deemed crucial amid rising cybersecurity threats and geopolitical instability.
This development follows similar demonstrations by U.S. companies but emphasizes Europe's need for sovereign solutions. OQ's technology is also being used for IoT connectivity in various countries, showcasing its versatility beyond emergency services. Other ventures, like AST SpaceMobile with Vodafone, are also pursuing direct-to-device services across Europe, highlighting a growing trend in satellite-based mobile communications.
